There was tension and drama in Ibom Isii community, Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State, on Wednesday after villagers paraded a woman accused of burying charms in a compound in the dead of night.
The woman, identified as Mrs. Chinelo, is said to be the wife of a former traditional ruler of Ibom Isii. Residents alleged that she was caught around 2:00 a.m. while attempting to bury the suspected charms.
According to community sources, some youths who sighted her moving suspiciously at that hour raised an alarm, leading to her arrest by villagers.
Videos of the incident, which have since gone viral on social media, showed the woman dressed in a red wrapper, walking barefoot and holding a small plate said to contain the charms. She was surrounded by about 200 villagers who paraded her through several parts of the community while singing and beating local drums.
Witnesses said the parade started early in the morning and lasted several hours before she was reportedly handed over to community elders for questioning.
“She was caught around 2 a.m. while trying to bury charms. The villagers gathered immediately and decided to parade her round the village,” one resident told reporters.
Another community source said Mrs. Chinelo had in the past faced social sanction after being accused of infidelity during her marriage to the former monarch.
“She was once sent away from her husband’s house because of some past issues. People were shocked to see her again, especially in the middle of the night,” the source said.
It was not clear what the alleged charms were meant for, but some villagers claimed she confessed after being caught, while others said she maintained her innocence.
“She was later taken to the elders to explain her mission or confess what she was doing at that time,” another eyewitness said.
During the parade, the woman reportedly remained silent, walking barefoot and clutching the alleged charms as villagers followed, chanting traditional songs.
Local security sources said the matter is being handled by community elders, though police have not yet issued an official statement on the incident.
The event has stirred debate in the area, with some residents condemning the public humiliation, while others said such action serves as a warning against alleged acts of witchcraft or spiritual manipulation in rural communities.
