Mob Nearly Kills Elderly Man Over False Witchcraft Accusation in Ebonyi Community.

Two brothers share harrowing story of how their father was brutally attacked and banished after being falsely accused of witchcraft by his own half brother.

In a disturbing case from Ebonyi State, two brothers have opened up about the relentless persecution their father has faced after being wrongly labeled a witch by his own relative.

Sunday Ominyi, a 30 year old farmer from Aguebele in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, told Punch Newspaper how his 50 year old father Thomas has been subjected to brutal physical attacks, verbal abuse, and even banishment from their community.

A Family Under Siege:

The trouble began when Thomas's half brother, who Sunday describes as a wealthy and influential figure in the village, accused him of witchcraft. The motive? A long standing land dispute stemming from their father's inheritance.

"My grandfather gave some portions of land to my father, and his brother has not been happy about it," Sunday explained.

The situation escalated dramatically in August 2025. A mob armed with machetes and clubs attacked Thomas, beating him so severely that he nearly died. Security guards reportedly found him and rushed him to the hospital.

Traditional Ruler's Intervention:

When Thomas reported the attack to the traditional ruler, the accused attackers refused to appear before the palace. Their refusal was apparently encouraged by the wealthy half brother who had been orchestrating the campaign against the family.

"He was the one raising people against my father, telling them that my father had bewitched and cast spells on people," Sunday said.

Tragically, despite the Igwe (traditional ruler) acknowledging Thomas's innocence, the ruler still banished him from the community.

A History of Violence:

This wasn't the family's first tragedy. In November 2020, Sunday's eldest brother was brutally killed at a village wake keep. He was struck on the head and died instantly.

"He became a victim because of the hatred some people in the community had towards my parents, especially my father," Sunday revealed.

Even Sunday himself was attacked on July 4, 2026, when he tried to defend his younger brother who was being beaten by a crowd.

"I rushed to the scene, and the assault was transferred to me. Some guys brought different dangerous objects like knives and bottles and started attacking me," he recalled.

Women in the community reportedly came to his rescue, helping him escape.

Living in Constant Fear:

The Ominyi family now lives in constant fear. Sunday's mother, the first of Thomas's three wives, has become isolated and has no friends in the village.

"My mother doesn't have friends around her. She usually stays alone in frustration and fear," Sunday said.

Despite receiving hospital treatment for their injuries, the family says the attackers have not paid their medical bills.

The incident, which will mark its one-year anniversary in August 2026, has left the family traumatized and without peace of mind.