Outrage in Bayelsa as Police Inspector Brutalises Three Children Over Alleged Witchcraft Accusation

Public Anger Erupts Over Shocking Child Abuse Case

There is growing outrage in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, following the alleged brutalisation of three children by a police inspector, identified as Sunday Ude, attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Igbogene Police Division.

Akahi News learnt that Inspector Ude reportedly assaulted his own children at the weekend after accusing them of being members of a witchcraft group — a claim that has sparked widespread condemnation from residents, rights groups, and government agencies.

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Neighbours Intervene as Children Rescued by Security Patrol

According to eyewitnesses, neighbours were alarmed by the screams of the victims and quickly alerted operatives of the Door Akpor State Security Patrol Unit, who intervened and rescued the children. They were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.

Sources told Akahi News that the children sustained serious injuries during the attack and were left in critical condition before receiving medical care.

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Women’s Rights Groups Demand Justice

The disturbing incident has drawn strong reactions from members of the Anti-Gender-Based Violence Network in Bayelsa, including the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), the National Association of Women Against Gender-Based Violence (WAGBV), and the Do Foundation.

The Chairperson of FIDA, Bayelsa chapter, Dr. Boma Toney Miebai, alongside Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry of WAGBV, and Barr. Dianna Iluma Pius of Do Foundation, visited both the police station and hospital to get first-hand information on the condition of the victims.

Dr. Miebai disclosed that the case has been formally reported to the Akenfa Police Station, and the groups are pressing for charges of attempted murder and criminal assault against the erring officer. She, however, expressed concern about the safety of the children while receiving treatment.

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Commissioner of Police Orders Arrest of Inspector

Speaking on the matter, Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry commended the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, for his swift intervention and directive for the arrest of the accused officer.

She stated:

“The CP has ordered the arrest of the accused and the transfer of the case to the Police Headquarters. Despite the critical nature of the case, the children are now stable. We are calling on public-spirited individuals and groups to assist them in getting their lives back.”

Confirming the development, Commissioner Francis Idu told journalists that Inspector Ude has been arrested and the investigation has begun to ensure justice for the victims.

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Rising Concern Over Witchcraft-Related Abuse

Observers say the case once again highlights the disturbing rise in witchcraft-related accusations against minors in parts of Nigeria — a practice that often leads to abuse, stigma, and even death.

Civil society advocates have called on religious leaders, parents, and community heads to intensify awareness campaigns to protect vulnerable children from such harmful and superstitious beliefs.

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Call for Accountability

Human rights groups in Bayelsa have vowed to follow the case to its conclusion and ensure that the full weight of the law is applied against the perpetrator, regardless of his position in the police force.

They also urged the Ministry of Women Affairs and Gender, which has already intervened through its Permanent Secretary, to take up the case as a matter of priority and ensure the safety and rehabilitation of the survivors.

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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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