Safe Child Africa, Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AFAW) and the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), on Wednesday, hailed the judgment of High Court No. 11 in Calabar, Cross River State, which sentenced Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim to death by hanging for the murder of his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey, who had Down syndrome.

The organisations described the judgment as a landmark victory for child protection and justice, saying it sends a strong message that violence committed under the guise of witchcraft beliefs will not be tolerated.

The judgment, delivered by Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu, found Etim guilty of murdering Deborah after falsely accusing her of being a witch.

Reacting to the development, the Founder of Safe Child Africa, Gary Foxcroft, described the judgment as a significant milestone but warned that more must be done to prevent children from becoming victims of witchcraft accusations.

They called on governments at all levels to strengthen the regulation of churches and other religious organisations, introduce mandatory child protection training for pastors and religious leaders, and invest in sustained public awareness campaigns to challenge harmful beliefs surrounding witchcraft.

Foxcroft said: “Justice for Deborah is an important milestone, but no child should have to die before action is taken. We commend the Court and everyone involved in bringing this case to justice.

“The real challenge now is prevention. Stronger safeguarding within churches, child protection training for faith leaders and sustained public education can save lives. We know from programmes such as PACT that harmful beliefs can be changed.”

According to the organisations, Deborah’s tragic death exposed the devastating consequences of witchcraft branding, a harmful practice that continues to place children, particularly those living with disabilities, at risk of rejection, abuse, torture and even murder.

They commended Justice Egwu for what they described as a courageous judgment and praised the Nigeria Police Force, the Attorney General of Cross River State, Etubom Ededem Ani, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Okoi Ukam, as well as the prosecutors, investigators and expert witnesses whose professionalism ensured that justice was served.

They also acknowledged the support provided to Deborah’s family by partner organisations throughout the prosecution.

The groups also advocated the expansion of the Prevent Abuse of Children Today (PACT) campaign, describing it as a proven initiative that has helped communities reject witchcraft accusations through education and dialogue.

Also speaking, the Founder of Advocacy for Alleged Witches, Leo Igwe, said the conviction makes it clear that superstition cannot be used as a defence for murder.

Igwe said: “This conviction makes it clear that superstition is no defence for murder. Deborah’s death is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of witchcraft accusations. Governments must confront these harmful beliefs through education, public awareness and greater accountability for those who promote or profit from witchcraft branding.”

In a statement, the Principal Counsel and Co-Founder of Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, James Ibor, said the judgment serves as a strong warning that perpetrators of violence against children will be held accountable.

Ibor said: “This judgment delivers justice for Deborah and sends a strong warning that perpetrators of violence against children will be held accountable. We thank the Judiciary, the Nigeria Police Force, the Attorney General of Cross River State, the prosecution team and our partners for their commitment. We will continue working until every child is free from the fear of witchcraft accusations and the violence they cause.”

The organisations noted that for more than two decades they have worked with governments, communities and faith leaders to protect children from abuse linked to witchcraft accusations, and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that every child enjoys the right to life, dignity and protection.