Family banished from community in Delta for branding 13-year-old son with iron and tying him to burglar proof for 3 days over witchcraft

One Austin Segun, who tied his 13-year-old son to a burglar-proof for three days because a pastor said the boy was a wizard, has been given an ultimatum to leave Eruemukohwarien community, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The victim, Tobi Segun, who just finished Primary school, was rescued by a group of vigilante, who heard him crying at about 2 a.m. One of the vigilante members, who rescued the victim, told Vanguard that during their routine night patrol, they heard the faint cry of the boy saying he wants to die and that he can no longer bear the torture.

“Immediately, we alerted the community Youth Chairman and others. When we gained access into the house, we saw the boy alone, tied to the window protector while his hands were tied behind him” the vigilante said.

“Though the parents were not at home, the landlord called the father on phone while the community Youth Chairman alerted the DPO of the Ughelli ‘A’ Division, who personally came and arrested the suspect.”

Confirming the incident to Vanguard, the victim’s step-mother, Mrs. Edijala Favour Segun, said: “They told us that he is a wizard at a Church we went to for prayers and he also admitted that he is a wizard. At a point, my husband had to use a hot iron to burn his palm and feet owing to his misbehaviour.

Despite this, he opened the fridge in the house and ate everything. “This led to my husband tying his hands and legs to the protector. He had just been tied for three days before we were arrested,” Mr. Segun was released on bail after he was arrested and detained at the Ughelli ‘A’ Division Police Station over the incident.

“On that day, our landlord called us on the phone that we should come back to the house. On getting home, we were faced with a crowd that started hitting my husband and me. After some minutes, the Police came and arrested my husband, while I was asked to take Tobi to the Ughelli Central Hospital for treatment.”
said Mrs Segun. “My husband was able to secure his release, but the IPO in charge of the case ordered that we should move out of the community.

This was documented and we all agreed to it including leaders of the community.” Recounting his ordeal, the victim said: “I always run from the house because I am not comfortable. My mother is dead and the woman here is my step-mother.”

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