In brief
Amidst the rising violence over witchcraft accusations in Nigeria, activist Dr. Leo Igwe spearheads the Advocacy For Alleged Witches to defend the vulnerable. His organization confronts societal fears tied to witchcraft and combats dangerous Pentecostal teachings that fuel mob justice.
In Nigeria, where superstition powers societal beliefs, witchcraft accusations can destroy lives and lead to lethal consequences. Dr. Leo Igwe, an activist with a doctorate in religious studies, has become a beacon of hope for victims of these brutal pursuits. “I could no longer take it. Seeing people being killed randomly is heartbreaking,” he expressed in an interview with the BBC.After completing his studies in 2017, Igwe felt the urge to take action against what he regarded as outdated traditions within the academic world. His solution was to establish the Advocacy For Alleged Witches, a vital organization aimed at using “compassion, reason, and science” to protect the lives of those wrongfully accused of witchcraft. The grim reality of these allegations was recently exemplified in the case of Jude, a 33-year-old glazier from Benue State. Jude was severely beaten by a mob after a misunderstanding with a boy carrying water led to him being falsely accused of witchcraft. The label resulted in Jude losing his job at a bank and undergoing violent mistreatment.Such severe allegations of witchcraft, according to Dr. Igwe, often stem from irrational fears triggered by various community issues, including financial hardships and health crises. These claims can escalate into violence, with accusations spanning from minor societal grievances to accusations of causing harm through supernatural works.The issue is not isolated to Nigeria; Dr. Igwe's organization extends its efforts to other African nations, including Ghana and Malawi, confronting superstitions and advocating for those accused. He actively engages with a network of concerned citizens through WhatsApp groups, which provide a platform for sharing information and coordinating interventions.Despite the risks associated with his activism—which include multiple assaults for defending victims—Igwe remains steadfast in his commitment. “I have to step forward and provide leadership,” he insists.In Nigeria, accusations of witchcraft may lead to a two-year prison sentence for perpetrators, although enforcement is rare. Efforts to tackle the stigmatization of accused witches face challenges, especially from religious institutions that reinforce dangerous superstitions in their teachings.Dr. Igwe underscores the pressing need to separate cultural identity from violence sparked by ignorance. “It’s critical we challenge this notion that witch-hunting is part of our culture; killing the innocent can never be accepted,” he asserts.As Dr. Igwe and his organization continue their fight against witch-hunting culture in Nigeria, they serve as a poignant reminder of the need for compassion and enlightenment amid deep-rooted beliefs.
