Elderly Nigerian Man Mistaken For Witch, Accused Of Turning Into Bird In Delta, Had Dementia — Group

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) has dismissed viral social media claims that a 97-year-old man in Delta State transformed from a bird into a human, clarifying that the man, Diokpa Okonkwo Oru, is suffering from dementia and has no connection to witchcraft or occult practices.

The incident, which sparked outrage online, stemmed from a video circulated on social media, claiming that Diokpa, the oldest man in Ogbe Ofu Quarters of Idumuje-Ugboko, had landed on the roof of a house in Uzebu Iko at about 1 a.m., allegedly transforming from a bird into a human. 

The post also revived old accusations linking Diokpa to occultism, including a bizarre claim that a goat purchased from his wife was found to have a mirror, padlock, and chain in its stomach.

AfAW Director, Leo Igwe, strongly criticised the narrative and the public’s willingness to believe such superstitious tales. 

“Imagine the mentality of the person who wrote this, and shared on the internet in this 21st century,” he wrote. “This post was not an isolated comment by some uninformed fellow somewhere. The post reflects a pervasive mindset in Nigeria, and by extension Africa—a way of thinking that many African scholars and intellectuals subscribe to and are reluctant to critically engage.”

Although the initial report of the incident placed it in Anambra State, further investigation by AfAW and local advocates confirmed that Idumuje-Ugboko is located in Delta State. 

Upon confirmation, AfAW contacted local authorities, including the police area commander in Asaba, the Divisional Police Officer in Issele-Uku, and the office of Sen. Ned Nwoko, who is from the area. The DPO responded promptly by dispatching officers to the community, and arrangements were made to provide Diokpa with urgent medical attention.

Family sources confirmed that Diokpa had been taken to a community clinic for a check-up, while Sen. Nwoko delegated a representative to ensure the elderly man received adequate support.

In response to the incident, the Ogbe-Ofu Youth Development Association issued a strong statement condemning the abuse of Diokpa. 

Signed by the youth president, Ifeanyi Okonkwo, and secretary, Moemeke Joseph, the statement read: “With deep sorrow and utmost disappointment, we the youth of Ogbe-ofu write to condemn in the strongest terms the cruel and disgraceful assault on Diokpa Okonkwo Oru, a 97-year-old elder of our town and the oldest man in Ogbeofu village, who is currently suffering from dementia.”

The statement continued: “It is painful and unacceptable that some youths from Ogbe Obi would descend so low as to flog, record, and publicly humiliate a helpless elder wandering due to age-related illness. Such conduct is an abomination and unacceptable by the youth of Ogbe-ofu. We don't tolerate such barbaric acts in our village.”

The youth group also demanded: “Immediate identification of all individuals involved in this shameful act. Appropriate disciplinary action by the traditional council. An apology to Diokpa's family and the Ogbe-ofu.”

AfAW commended the youth for their principled and peaceful reaction. The organisation further called on Delta State authorities to ensure that those responsible for the abuse are held accountable. Igwe noted that people with dementia are especially vulnerable in superstitious communities, where symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, and erratic behaviour are often misinterpreted as signs of witchcraft.

“People who suffer from dementia are endangered and need support. They are vulnerable because of superstitions associated with their health condition,” AfAW stated. 

“As in the case of Diokpa, people who have dementia experience memory loss, difficulty in language and communication, changes in mood and behaviour. In many communities, people associate these symptoms with occultism and harmful magic.”

Highlighting the dangers of such beliefs, AfAW warned: “When people suffering from dementia are seen loitering on the streets, people brand them witches who are going or returning from the coven. So accused, people with dementia are attacked or killed, usually after they have been forced to confess and admit to having killed or harmed people through occult means.”

Concluding its statement, AfAW declared: “People with dementia are not witches. They do not turn into birds and fly out at night as popularly believed. People with dementia have health challenges and should be treated with love, care, dignity, and respect.”