Mob Brutally Assaults Woman Accused of Witchcraft at

Nigerian Church Crusade

A woman was brutally assaulted at a church crusade in Cross River State, Nigeria, after being accused of witchcraft. The victim, Grace Ekoi, a 50-year-old woman, was attacked with canes by a mob of people at a crusade ground in Onyadama community, Obubra Local Government Area.

The incident happened on March 13, under dim lights and the sound of worship songs, as reported by Premium Times. Footage reviewed by the publication shows at least eight individuals taking turns to flog Grace Ekoi with long canes. As the beating intensified, she attempted to run into the crowd, but more men, women, and people of various ages joined in the assault.

A man's voice could be heard on the microphone singing in the background as the congregants continued to clap. The woman broke free at one point and ran towards the road. Voices shouted in Pidgin English, “She don run o.” She was chased, caught and beaten again, this time until she became motionless.

### Crusade Organiser Dodges Questions on Assault

The crusade organiser, Usetu Bassey, who operates under the name Kabod International Church, dodged questions asked by Premium Times when contacted. He claimed that community leaders were present at the crusade and suggested that it was unlikely that he would ask them to beat their own people.

However, he failed to address the allegations that he incited the violence against Grace Ekoi. The incident has sparked outrage, with many Nigerians condemning the actions of the mob and the crusade organiser.

### Background on Onyadama Community

Onyadama is a farming community in Cross River State, known for its longstanding land and boundary dispute with the neighbouring Nko community. The community has a population of about 262,800 people and hosts the permanent National Youth Service Corps orientation camp for Cross River State.

The village head of Onyadama, Enang Erim, declined comment when contacted by Premium Times, citing a need for authorisation from the clan head. Vincent Erena, the clan head, did not respond to calls from the reporter.

### Investigation into Assault Ongoing

Despite the incident being reported several weeks ago, no one has been arrested for the assault. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, but it is unclear whether any progress has been made.

### Key Facts

  • The incident happened on March 13 at a church crusade in Onyadama community, Obubra Local Government Area.
  • At least eight individuals took turns to flog Grace Ekoi with long canes.
  • The woman broke free at one point and ran towards the road, but was chased and caught by the mob.
  • The crusade organiser, Usetu Bassey, dodged questions asked by Premium Times when contacted.
  • No one has been arrested for the assault, and an investigation is ongoing.

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