No Justice, No Arrests: Woman Assaulted at Church Crusade Still Awaits Accountability

A Christian crusade in Cross River State, which was expected to be a gathering for worship, healing, and spiritual renewal, has instead sparked national outrage after a woman was allegedly subjected to a brutal mob assault following accusations of witchcraft.

The disturbing incident reportedly occurred on the night of March 13 in Onyadama community, Obubra Local Government Area, where hundreds had gathered for a night crusade. According to an investigation by PREMIUM TIMES, the victim, identified as Grace Ekoi, attended the event seeking divine healing for her 14-month-old child, who reportedly could not walk.

Instead of receiving prayers, she was allegedly singled out during the service after being accused of being a witch.

Video footage reviewed by the newspaper reportedly shows several individuals repeatedly flogging the woman with long canes while members of the congregation watched. As the beating intensified, she attempted to escape into the crowd but was pursued, captured, and assaulted again.

Witnesses said men and women joined in the attack as voices from the crowd shouted after her while worship songs continued in the background. At one point, a man reportedly poured what appeared to be anointing oil on her before directing that she be lifted, only for the beating to continue moments later.

The victim later recounted that she had attended the crusade solely in search of healing for her child.

According to her, she had been attending the programme for several days before she was unexpectedly called forward and accused of witchcraft.

The investigation further revealed that another person allegedly died during the violence, although authorities have yet to publicly confirm the circumstances surrounding the reported death.

Several weeks after the incident, no arrests have reportedly been made, raising concerns over the pace and seriousness of the police investigation.

Cross River Police Command had earlier confirmed that officers visited the community after receiving reports of the incident. Police spokesperson Eitokpah Sunday stated that preliminary findings suggested the woman was attacked after a church prophecy labelled her a witch. He also confirmed that she received medical treatment and was later transferred to Calabar for further care.

The church leader linked to the crusade reportedly declined to provide direct answers when contacted by journalists regarding the allegations.

The incident has generated widespread concern among human rights advocates, religious observers, and members of the public, many of whom have questioned how such an attack could occur during a Christian gathering without immediate intervention.

The case has also renewed debate over the dangers of witchcraft accusations, particularly when they lead to mob justice and violence. Rights groups have repeatedly warned that unverified accusations of witchcraft have, over the years, resulted in torture, abuse, displacement, and deaths in several Nigerian communities.

As public pressure mounts, many Nigerians are calling on security agencies to ensure those responsible are identified and prosecuted, while urging religious leaders to discourage practices capable of inciting violence against innocent people.

The incident remains under investigation.