By Stanley Okehie
Dr. Leo Igwe, founder of Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AFAW), has called on traditional rulers, chiefs and community leaders to take decisive steps towards ending witchcraft accusations and persecution in communities.
Dr. Igwe made the call during advocacy visits to the Village Head of Umumbara Ahaba in Obi Orodo Autonomous Community, Chief Anayo Ejikeme and the traditional ruler of Ubahaeze Autonomous Community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Eze Samuel Ugboaja, as part of activities marking this year’s World Day Against Witch Hunts.
Speaking at Umumbara Ahaba, Dr. Igwe described AFAW as a humanitarian organisation committed to defending the rights of vulnerable people, particularly those falsely accused and persecuted for witchcraft.
He said this year’s theme, “Chiefs and Ending Witch Hunts in Communities,” highlights the important role traditional rulers and community leaders can play in preventing witchcraft accusations, abuse and persecution.
Dr. Igwe commended Chief Anayo Ejikeme for facilitating the reversal of the banishment of Mrs. Nkeiru Ekeh, who was accused of using magical means to cause the death of her brother.
He urged the Village Head to continue standing for truth, justice and the protection of vulnerable members of the community, while encouraging other traditional leaders to emulate his actions.
At the palace of Eze Samuel Ugboaja, Dr. Igwe commended the traditional ruler for supporting efforts to end witchcraft accusations and persecution.
He called on traditional rulers and chiefs across the state to become agents of positive and progressive change by promoting human dignity, peaceful coexistence and the protection of community members from abuse arising from witchcraft allegations.
The traditional ruler of Ubahaeze Autonomous Community, Eze Samuel Ugboaja, and Chief Anayo Ejikeme of Umumbara Ahaba pledged their commitment to ending abuses associated with witchcraft accusations and persecution in their communities.
The advocacy visits also featured the official presentation of AFAW T-shirts to the two communities.