Survivors of abuses arising from witchcraft beliefs and ritual attacks have been assured of continuous support to aid their recovery from pain, stigma, trauma, and other psycho-social scars.
The assurance came from the National Director of Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW), Dr. Leo Igwe, during the 2025 International Day Against Witch Hunts celebration held in Owerri.
The event commenced with a solidarity march to the palace of the traditional ruler of Umuororonjo Autonomous Community, Eze Clinton Uboegbulam-Nze.
Speaking at the gathering, Dr. Igwe explained that he founded AfAW to challenge superstitions that often drive people to commit crimes. He disclosed that the organization has provided victims with humanitarian assistance, including seed money to start businesses, temporary shelter, police intervention, and legal representation depending on their individual needs.
He further urged authorities to confront deeply rooted misconceptions that fuel witchcraft and ritual-related beliefs, such as the notion that human sacrifice brings wealth or that individuals can transform into animals to harm others. Dr. Igwe also called for stricter regulation of religious leaders and spiritualists who exploit fears with unfounded claims of supernatural powers.
In his remarks, Eze Uboegbulam-Nze condemned witchcraft accusations that often lead to killings, lynching, beatings, or banishment of innocent people. He pledged his full support for the campaign and vowed to ensure that those who make false accusations are held accountable.
Some survivors, including 87-year-old Mrs. Regina Onuoha and Mr. Emeka Ohuruogu, shared their harrowing experiences, lamenting that victims of witchcraft accusations are usually the most vulnerable members of society.
A clergyman, Pastor Chrysolite Okonkwo, and a teacher, Mr. Alexander Iheyinwa, also contributed to the discussion. While they acknowledged the lack of physical evidence of witches, they insisted that this does not necessarily negate the existence of witchcraft.
The event also featured a lecture titled “Witchcraft Accusations and the Law” delivered by legal practitioner Mr. Chibueze Okorie.