Africa
Parents, Witch Hunting and Child Protection in Bayelsa -By Leo Igwe
It is important to note that children of witch-believing parents are endangered. As in the two cases, the children are at risk of being abused. Parents who suspect or accuse their children of witchcraft maltreat them with impunity. They beat, starve, or subject them to violent exorcism. Parents abandon or murder these children.
State authorities should penalize parents and guardians who accuse or abuse their children or wards in the name of witchcraft.
A recent incident in Bayelsa necessitated this appeal. In this case, a police officer reportedly accused the children of witchcraft and horrifically abused them. In a report circulated on social media with photos of the abused children, this officer, Sunday Idey, tortured and inflicted serious injuries on the three children for belonging to a witch coven. The Advocacy for Alleged Witches contacted the police public relations officer and an official of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Bayelsa state, who confirmed the incident. According to the report, Idey is currently in police custody, while the children have been taken to the hospital for treatment.
Children depend on their parents for love and support. Parents are obliged to protect their children from harm and abuse. It is a serious crime for parents to abuse their children. It is a betrayal of the law and the Constitution for state authorities to fail in penalizing these parents. In addition to prosecuting and jailing Mr Idey, the state should take away the custody of the children. The government should make it clear that there are serious consequences for parents and enablers of witchcraft accusations and abuse of children. In the coming days and weeks, AfAW will work with FIDA, NHRC, and other agencies in Bayelsa to educate and enlighten witchcraft believers and support these children and other victims of witch hunts in the state.
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