Police Officer Arrested For Allegedly Brutalising Own Children Over Witchcraft In Bayelsa
Operatives of Operation Doo Akpor in Bayelsa State have arrested Police Inspector Sunday Idey for allegedly abusing his three children over accusations of witchcraft.
Idey, who serves with the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Igbogene Police Division, reportedly assaulted the children over the weekend after accusing them of belonging to a witchcraft group.
The Bayelsa state Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, confirmed the arrest, saying the officer is currently in custody while an investigation is ongoing.
According to eyewitnesses, neighbours intervened after hearing the children’s cries and quickly alerted the Operation Doo Akpor team, who rescued the victims and took them to a hospital for treatment.
The incident has drawn strong condemnation from several rights groups and activists. The Chairperson of the International federation of women lawyers (FIDA), Bayelsa chapter, Dr. Boma Toney Miebai, described the act as “inhumane and deeply disturbing.”
She was joined by the National Association of Women Against Gender-Based Violence, led by Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, and the Chairperson of the Do Foundation, Barr. Dianna Iluma Pius, in calling for justice and rehabilitation support for the children.
Officials from the Ministry of women affairs and gender also visited the police station and the hospital to get firsthand information on the case.