85-Year-Old Woman Brutalised Over Witchcraft Allegation

An 85-year-old Zamfara woman was allegedly beaten, stripped naked and subjected to other forms of abuse after being accused of witchcraft, according to the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW).

The organisation’s director, Leo Igwe, disclosed the case on Friday, September 4, 2026, saying the incident was brought to the group’s attention through an audio recording shared by the Zamfara office of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on August 18.

According to Igwe, the elderly woman had visited another woman who had recently given birth to exchange pleasantries when she was allegedly accused of witchcraft.

The woman reportedly denied the allegation, but the situation escalated after other people gathered around her.

Igwe said the mob allegedly attacked the woman with stones, pestles and sticks, leaving her with injuries to her head and hand. He further alleged that she was dragged along the ground and assaulted inside a toilet.

The AfAW director said the attackers allegedly forced the woman to step over the newborn several times as a supposed test of whether she was a witch. She was also allegedly forced to perform the same act involving the baby’s mother.

The woman was eventually taken to a hospital for treatment and was later discharged, according to AfAW.

Igwe said the alleged persecution did not end after her release, adding that the woman identified some of those involved as members of her family.

Group calls for investigation

AfAW has called on the Zamfara State Government and security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that anyone found responsible faces prosecution.

Igwe also appealed for support for the elderly woman, saying victims of alleged witchcraft persecution can be left without access to justice or adequate assistance.

The organisation said it contacted the NHRC office in an attempt to obtain additional information and provide legal and humanitarian assistance.

The case has also renewed concerns about violence against older people and the consequences of witchcraft accusations in Nigerian communities.

The NHRC has previously warned about abuse of older persons in Nigeria, including physical, emotional, psychological and financial abuse, as well as harmful traditional practices and neglect.

Police say case was not reported

However, the Zamfara State Police Command said the matter had not been reported to the police.

Police spokesperson Abubakar Yazid therefore did not confirm that an investigation had begun.

As a result, details concerning the identities of those allegedly involved and the circumstances surrounding the assault remain subject to official investigation.

The 85-year-old Zamfara woman is reportedly seeking justice, while rights advocates have urged authorities to intervene and protect her from further harm.

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