“Pastors Told Him She Was a W!tch” – Woman D!es After Son Allegedly Sets Her Ab!aze in Cross River

• A Cross River woman, Mrs Atim Akposi, also known as Atim Eyo, has died after her son, Emmanuel Akposi, allegedly poured fuel on her and set her ablaze following accusations that she was responsible for the death of his child.
• Emmanuel has reportedly been declared wanted by the police, while the tragic incident has sparked outrage online, with Nigerians condemning the attack and questioning the alleged role of pastors who reportedly reinforced the witchcraft accusations.

A woman identified as Mrs Atim Akposi, also known as Atim Eyo, has died after her son, Emmanuel Akposi, allegedly attacked her and set her ablaze following repeated accusations that she was responsible for the death of his child.

The incident reportedly occurred on Friday, August 14, 2026, in Ojo community, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State. Atim sustained severe burns and was initially taken to a community health centre before being transferred to Akamkpa General Hospital and later the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where she died in the early hours of Monday or Tuesday, according to different reports.

Emmanuel has reportedly been declared wanted by the police, while the circumstances surrounding the attack are being investigated.

According to the victim’s elder son, Eyo Akposi, Emmanuel had accused their mother of witchcraft for several years and claimed that pastors had told him she was responsible for the death of his child. Eyo said his brother had confronted their mother several times before the fatal incident.

Eyo alleged that on the day of the attack, Emmanuel entered his mother’s room and attempted to strangle her. When she resisted, he allegedly hit her, causing her to fall, before pouring fuel on her and setting her ablaze.

“He then poured fuel on her and set her on fire before fleeing,” Eyo alleged.

Neighbours reportedly raised the alarm and helped to take the injured woman to the hospital. Eyo said he was informed after receiving a video of the incident and instructed relatives to transfer her to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for further treatment.

The case has drawn condemnation from human rights advocates. The Advocacy for Alleged Witches said the death demonstrates the dangers of witchcraft accusations and called for Emmanuel’s arrest and prosecution.

The tragedy has also triggered emotional reactions online, with many Nigerians condemning the attack and questioning the role of the pastors allegedly involved in telling Emmanuel that his mother was responsible for his child’s death.

Stanley Tochukwu Onwuka: “As bad as devil is, God did not kpai him! U have no right to take a life u didn’t give, or be a judge in matters u have no certainty on”

Daniella Dk: “And your mama no do you witchcraft when you dey small”

Anibueze Innocent Obayi: “God may we not born those that will take our life.”

Hoppy Eremale Simon: “And she nurtured you till you’re grown.

Religion!!! Kai”

Victor Chinaza: “Even sef what are the church pastors expecting him to do after

If police arrest him, they should also go after those pastors”

Steve Da Goldston Oche: “Nah so one church say my grandma changed my destiny with chicken’s omo eye wey i take look the pastor he changed the topic immediately”

Ben Enzoo: “Ooh and nah 1 pastor go preach him so say him mama nah witchhhh”

Sweetsmile Igebu: “Dear Lord, may he reap the fruits of what he has done. Amen”

Joebless Ok: “Some of una na witchcraft naim make una life bend till today.come fb dey claim ignoramus”

King Ralphylove Dharlighton: “If the mother had got miscarriage is it not better than to have a bastard as a child”

Dun Dun: “This pastors. Ok oo”

Roland Effiong: “Dat na why I no dey go church or mbumbu ufok akam, because I no wan hear nonsense”

Okpara Chinwendu: “Jesus Christ”

Obinna King: “Brain washed him to kpai his mom, poor people ispart of big problems we have in this world”