Wednesday 15th December 2021: A grandmother, Ann Soberekon, that was stripped naked and beaten by some youths in Rivers State over witchcraft allegations may soon get justice as the International Federation of Women Lawyers has called for the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the inhuman treatment..
The youths, in a video seen by many on social media, repeatedly asked the elderly woman several questions, as they manhandled her.
The details of how she was found were not clear as of press time as a voice could be heard in the clip saying, “The woman is a strong witch; who are the 11 people you mentioned?”
Another said, “Can you give us any number that you have so that we can call for them to come and attend to you here?”
The victim, however, appeared helpless and managed to respond to the questions as she lay in the bush.
Reacting to the video, the Chairperson of FIDA in Rivers State, Adata Bio-Briggs, who made the call while speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt, said justice must be served in the matter.
She said FIDA was in touch with the woman’s family, adding that the relatives claimed she was suffering from dementia.
“We raise our voices against the debasement and indignity meted out to Madam Ann Soberekon, a mother, grandmother, sister, who was beaten, stripped naked, videos made and circulated through social media alleging her to be a witch.
“Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution, particularly Section 34 provides for the rights to personal dignity and frowns on the infringement of that right in any form or kind,” she added.
Bio-Brigss said the family of the victim was traumatised as a result of the incident.