A non-governmental organization, Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) has called for the protection and restoration of the rights of people who were ostracized from their community over alleged witchcraft accusations in Imo State and South East region in general.

The group, led by its Executive Director, Dr. Leo Igwe made the call during an advocacy visit at the palace of Eze Patrick Uwalaka, the traditional ruler of Umulogho Autonomous Community in Obowo Local Government Area of the state, weekend.

Speaking at the palace, Igwe said the visit formed part of activities marking the 2026 World Day Against Witch Hunts, aimed at raising awareness about human rights violations arising from erroneous beliefs in witchcraft and ritualistic practices and combating the menace.

He also used the opportunity to appealed for the restoration of the fundamental rights of one 92 year old, Okenze Mark Isikaku, an indigene of the community who was recently ostracized over witchcraft accusations.

According to him, “August provides an opportunity to highlight such abuses, raise public awareness and promote measures for their prevention and eradication, as well as to provide support for victims.

“Hence, 2026 theme of AfAW’s campaign, “Chiefs and Ending Witch Hunts in Communities,” underscores the crucial role traditional rulers play in confronting false beliefs in witchcraft and preventing the persecution of innocent people.”

“Chiefs preside over witch trials and banishment of alleged witches. Chiefs sanction and condone jungle justice and vigilantism for accused persons. They uphold witch hunts as a form of community service, as part of tradition and culture, rather than a heinous crime or a relic of humanity’s primitive and superstitious past,” Igwe said.

Igwe also urged traditional rulers and other community leaders across Nigeria and Africa to become agents of positive change by challenging harmful superstitions and facilitating the eradication of witch persecution from their communities.

Responding, Eze Uwalaka, who was accompanied by the Palace Secretary, Ichie Nichols Iroadumba, and other palace officials, commended AfAW for its advocacy visit.

He described the campaign against beliefs in witchcraft and ritualism as commendable, noting the devastating effects such beliefs could have on individuals, families and communities.

The traditional ruler assured the AfAW delegation that the matter would be addressed, while urging members of the community to remain peaceful; law-abiding and desist from actions capable of violating the rights of others.