Pastor flees Nigeria over death threats following anti-trafficking advocacy

A chilling affidavit has been filed in the High Court of Justice, Edo State, detailing the harrowing experiences of Pastor Mrs. Lizzy Ogbeide, a vocal advocate against human trafficking and female genital mutilation. The affidavit, sworn by Mr. Kingsly Ehiorobo Imafidon, Pastor Ogbeide’s brother, outlines a series of violent attacks and threats that have forced the pastor and her family to flee Nigeria.

According to the affidavit, Pastor Ogbeide, who was residing in Benin City, became a target due to her vocal opposition to human trafficking and female genital mutilation. Her activism angered a notorious gang involved in these heinous activities, which perceived her efforts as a threat to their operations.

The affidavit describes multiple violent attacks on the Imafidon family residence in the Ugbor quarter. On January 2, 2022, armed hoodlums, who had learned that Pastor Ogbeide was in town for her mother’s birthday celebration, invaded the home. 

The attackers, armed with dangerous weapons, demanded to see Pastor Ogbeide and her husband. The gang threatened to eliminate the entire family if Pastor Ogbeide continued her advocacy.

Tragically, the violence led to the death of two family members. Mrs. Victoria Imafidon, the pastor’s mother, fell into a coma following the attack on January 2, 2022, and passed away on January 31, 2022. The gang returned in May 2023, leading to the murder of the pastor’s elder sister, Margaret Helen Oder (née Odigie).

The affidavit highlights that threats against Pastor Ogbeide and her family continue, prompting their decision to seek refuge abroad. The document serves as a plea for public awareness and official recognition of the ongoing danger faced by the family.