“For his indefatigable work in advocating on behalf of alleged witches at both the global and the regional level”, Dr. Leo Igwe, has received an Inaugural Award from The International Network Against Accusations of Witchcraft And Associated Harmful Practices (TINAAWAHP), a humanitarian group that seeks to raise awareness about the human rights abuses taking place as a result of beliefs in witchcraft.

Dr. Igwe, who directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW), received the award during a two-day international conference on witchcraft and human rights held at Lancaster University, United Kingdom.
The award, endorsed by Professors Miranda Forsyth and Charlotte Baker, both, Directors at TINAAWAHP, recognized Dr. Igwe’s effort in advancing the implementation of the Human Rights Council Resolution on the elimination of harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks.

According to analysts, the Inaugural Award conferred on Dr Igwe, is a well deserved one, given the excellent work he is doing for humanity under the banner of AfAW, a non-governmental organization that protects and defends the rights of persons accused of witchcraft.
It could be recalled that in August 10, 2024, Dr. Igwe joined other humanists around the globe to celebrate the World Day Against Witch Hunts, a platform he used to enlighten attendees at the one-day event held in Owerri, the Imo State capital, Southeast Nigeria, on the need to end accusations of witchcraft and victimization of alleged witches.

Dr Igwe who spoke extensively on the theme of the Day; “Challenging Religious Leaders’ Role in Witch Hunts”, expressed concern that many incidents of witch-hunting had been linked to pastors, priests, diviners, imams, prophets, and prophetesses, who claim to have powers to identify and overwhelm ‘witches’.

He admonished Religious Leaders to turn a new leaf and brace up to the challenge of ending witchcraft persecution and accusation.
Recently, one Apostle Dr. Angel who claimed to possess such powers to identify witches and wizards in their covens and destroy them, caught the attention of AfAW with a gigantic billboard advertising ‘That Witch Must Die’ crusade.

Apostle Angel’s billboards were scattered in strategic places within the Owerri metropolis, inviting members of the public to be part of the all-night program.
Dr. Igwe in his usual manner drew attention to the fact that such church activities had been used to incite and perpetrate violence against innocent persons especially women, children and people with disabilities.

He argued that right to free worship should not be used to permit or justify witch hunting programs, stressing that witchcraft accusation is a crime under the law.
Obviously, the church program held but not without Apostle Angel exercising some level of restraint throughout his sermon, prophecies and ‘deliverances’, as reported by some AfAW members who attended the program.

Still in August, this year, Dr. Igwe caused a traditional Chief of Benin Kingdom, Victor Ekhator to go cap in hand to a 75-year old grandmother, Mrs. Victoria Edugie whom the Chief had tormented, harassed and accused of witchcraft.

Chief Ekhator who was obviously fantasizing about the beautiful septuagenarian, albeit he failed to admit it, relied on a mere allegation that she was tormenting him in the dream and unleashed what could be termed the height of wickedness, inflicting serious bodily harm on her. It was Dr. Igwe’s intervention that saved the life of the septuagenarian, with the Benin Chief tendering a public apology.

These and many more are efforts by the AfAW Director to ensure that no person is accused or punished over a make-belief and flimsy allegations of witchcraft. For discerning members of the public, AfAW under the guidance of Dr. Igwe is doing more than enough for the vulnerable members of society, giving hope to the hopeless, saving lives and advancing the cause of humanity.

Once again, congratulations Dr. Igwe on your well deserved award in far away Lancaster, United Kingdom, even as I pray that the voice of reason should always prevail whenever someone, somewhere is being persecuted or accused of witchcraft.
Stanley Okehie is a Journalist, writes from Owerri.