An NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation), ‘Land of Hope’ in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, has disclosed a hidden problem prevailing in the country of accusing children of being witches.
Poverty and ignorance are the leading causes of witchcraft accusations in Nigeria, and many pastors, religious leaders, and politicians benefit from them. Ignorance is harmful when abused in uneducated societies led by greedy and corrupted leaders.
Witchcraft in Nigeria has become a way to explain misfortune and hardships, like death, divorce or illness in communities and families. A part of this rising problem is limited knowledge regarding illnesses which, when connected with strong cultural beliefs, provokes people to look for superstitious answers.
Another part of this problem, which is particularly the biggest, is the Nigerian churches that promote children as witches and meanwhile, the pastors claim to be able to heal the children during deliverances and exorcism in exchange for money. These pastors are taking inadequate advantage of people’s belief in these superstitions.
A minor boy whose identity has not been disclosed was beaten almost to death and is currently under the care of the Ministry of Justice.
The NGO for children, Land of Hope, was built in 2014 to help children accused of being witches.
The Founder of Land of Hope, Anja Ringgren Lovén, stated that the NGO is ready to take the child if his family does not want him.
Anja further stated, “It’s election period in Nigeria now, and I’m yet to see any of the Governor candidates in Akwa Ibom talk about children’s rights.”
No candidate in Akwa Ibom is worthy of any votes if they don’t put children’s rights at the top of their priority, as per Anja Ringgren Lovén.
More than 80 lovely children are living presently at Land of Hope who was accused and abandoned for fear of witchcraft.
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