Public Statement by Elizabeth Wilson-Itauma, Co-Founder and Chair of CRARN Condemning the Brutal Killing of Three Children Over Witchcraft Accusations
I am deeply saddened and outraged by the recent tragedy in Bayelsa State, where a father, influenced by a misguided pastor’s prophetic declaration, brutally poisoned his own three children over false accusations of witchcraft. This barbaric act is a horrifying reminder of the enduring threat posed by superstitious beliefs weaponized against innocent lives.
Let me be unequivocal: no child deserves violence, abandonment, or death under the guise of spiritual manipulation. The pastor who instigated this atrocity must be held accountable, alongside the perpetrators who executed this cruel crime. We cannot continue to allow religious dogma and fear-mongering to override compassion, justice, and the rule of law.
The Child’s Rights and Rehabilitation Network (CRARN) stands firmly against all forms of child abuse, especially those rooted in harmful cultural and religious practices. For over 22 years, we have fought to protect and rehabilitate children wrongly branded as witches. We will not relent.
We call on the Nigerian authorities to investigate this case thoroughly, bring every complicit actor to justice, and prioritize nationwide advocacy to end witchcraft stigmatization. This is not just a fight for justice—it is a fight for our shared humanity.
