A 10-year-old boy, (names withheld), was on Friday in Lafia, Nasarawa State, set ablaze by two men for alleged witchcraft.

The incident, which took place on Shalele Street, close to Immaculate Primary School, Lafia-East, resulted in the child being hospitalised at Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH), Lafia.

The Nasarawa State Child Protection Network (CPN), which got wind of the incident disclosed that it was ready to institute legal proceedings against the culprits.

The culprits, simply known as Adamu and Suleiman, Saturday Tribune learnt, went to the residence of the victim at midnight when his parents were not around and put pepper in his eyes, poured petrol over his body and set him on fire.

Further investigations by Saturday Tribune revealed that the men executed the act when Adamu’s wife complained that she saw the boy in her dream, in the form of a lizard and entered into her womb, claiming that the boy was a wizard.

However, Saturday Tribune gathered that when the incident happened, the parents of the boy were said to be away as the father was reported to be sick and in hospital in Wamba Local Government Area of the state; while the boy’s elder brother and sister watched helplessly as the men carried out the act.

While reacting to the situation, the state CPN Coordinator, Barrister Evelyn Kaderi explained that the network has resolved to take up the matter legally by ensuring that the perpetrators were brought to book.

It was learnt further that the suspects were working round the clock to ensure that the matter dies a natural death.

She also stated that if the suspects were punished for their actions, it would serve as a deterrent to others who have no value for human lives adding that the CPN would not relent in its efforts at ensuring that justice prevailed.

The boy, who spoke with Saturday Tribune on his hospital bed stated that he was recovering from the burns.

Speaking in Hausa, he stated that the men came to their house at midnight and ordered him out of his room as they accused him of witchcraft.

The state Deputy Police Public Relations Officer (DPPRO), Cornelius Ocholi, who confirmed the incident, however, said the suspects had been arrested and investigation is ongoing.

na wa for dis world

haxcellencima: na wa for dis world

ma sister no be small na wah ooooh!

at least this one survived. similar case that happened in Benin (same age), the boy was completely burnt to ashes. when are we going to let go of our crude ways?

dominique: at least this one survived. similar case that happened in Benin (same age), the boy was completely burnt to ashes. when are we going to let go of our crude ways?

hmm, looks like its getting to be a thread in naija