The Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bauchi State Chapter, has engaged members of Tafawa Balewa Local Government Council in a one-day sensitization programme on alleged witchcraft accusations.
The event was conducted in collaboration with the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AFAW), a Non-Governmental Organisation.
Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of FIDA Bauchi, Barr. Hauwa Ahmed Abubakar, said the initiative aimed to curb harmful beliefs and practices that often result in trauma, violence, and disunity among families.
She said the practice continues to endanger the lives of innocent people.
“Today’s engagement focuses on enlightening community members about the dangers of stigmatization and harmful traditional beliefs.
“We brought together traditional leaders, women, youth, and other stakeholders to discuss how to end these practices and promote peace and mutual respect,” she said.
Abubakar explained that the campaign seeks to protect vulnerable individuals, especially women, and prevent abuses linked to witchcraft accusations across communities in Bauchi State.
“There is nothing like witchcraft in our laws, neither in the constitution nor in the state’s statutes.
“But because people are unaware of their rights, they resort to jungle justice. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse; anyone who harms or kills another person over witchcraft claims will be prosecuted,” she explained.
The Programme Manager of AFAW, Mr. Dooyum Dominic Ingye, condemned the persistent persecution of women and children over witchcraft allegations, describing it as a “deep-rooted human rights violation” in Nigeria.
He said the sensitization campaign was organized to raise awareness about the dangers of witchcraft-related stigma and to promote respect for human rights within communities.
One of the victims, Mrs. Hannatu Yakubu, shared her painful experience, recalling how her mother was taken away by some youths in 2020 after being accused of witchcraft.
“In 2020, we heard a loud noise around our area, and my mother was taken away by some youths. Since then, life has not been the same, but I am grateful that help eventually came,” she said.
Another community member, Mr. Haruna Musa Gital, a community leader, narrated how a young man suffered emotional distress after his wife was falsely accused of witchcraft by his own brother.
0 Comments