Witchcraft: Groups sensitise C’River communities against stigmatisation

Civil society groups, Hopeland Community Initiative for Peace and Social Development (CIPSD) in partnership with the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) and communities in Cross River have sensitised five communities in Akamkpa, Odukpani and Yakurr Local Councils of the state against stigmatisation of children and the elderly over witchcraft .

The most troubling communities are Ekong and Oban in Akamkpa, Akpap Okoyong in Odukpani and Nko in Yakurr Local Councils.

Programme Director, CIPSD, Dr Prince-Charles Itu, expressed worries over the harmful cultural practices, accusing unregulated traditional healers, and spiritualists of worsening such situations by exploiting fears for their gains.

According to him, local beliefs often attribute misfortunes, illnesses, or deaths to supernatural causes, branding vulnerable individuals as witches.

Itu said the campaigns aimed at educating residents about the adverse effects of stigmatisation and harmful traditions on social cohesion and development.

“The aged parents are often ostracised, abused, or banished, stripped of the familial support they needed most during their twilight years, while many children are abandoned, subjected to abuse or forced to live on the streets.

“These children, often left to fend for themselves, are exposed to exploitation and deprived of basic education and care. This practice is not only rooted in traditional beliefs but also fueled by modern evangelical movements that perpetuate fear of spiritual possession,” Itu added.

He called for robust public education campaigns, enforcement of child and elder protection laws, and sustained community dialogue to challenge and dismantle the regressive norms.

Speaking on behalf of the Okonyong community, the Monarch of Odukpani, His Royal Highness (HRH), Obonn Ita Okon, commended the initiative and pledged his full support in the fight to end witchcraft stigmatization in his community.

He noted that the effort is crucial in fostering peace and stability in Okoyong.

Also, the traditional ruler of the Nko Community, Yakurr lga, Chief Ubana Maurice, highlighted the urgency of sustainable development and human rights protection.

He also pledged his unwavering support, describing the initiative as a “pathway to a better future.”