Originally published on the CGS blog on December 2, 2008.
What happens when extreme religious fervor mixes with entrenched communal beliefs in black magic? – Innocent children are stigmatized for bringing misery to the community. This is not a new phenomenon. For years, villagers in Nigeria’s rural communities have attributed their woes and problems to the sorcery of their children. Once branded as “witch children,” these youngsters, ranging from as young as five years to older teens, are accused of being possessed and bringing misery to their families. So central is this practice to the community that the parents are often the ones who identify and comply with the preacher’s verdict. Once an accusation is made by the preacher, the branding follows the child throughout life unless he/she has been successfully “exorcised.” Such “exorcisms” are usually a thin veil for the abuse and torture of the child. Seventeen year old Uma Eke is a perfect example of the cruel torture such children are subjected to. As one of the accused, she had a 3-inch nail driven through her skull in an attempt to force out a confession. She is now brain dead.
In addition to subjecting the child to physical and emotional abuse, preachers also often charge exorbitant rates for a single exorcism – usually 400,000 Naira ($300); and if the parents are unable to cover the costs, the child is held captive until an exchange of funds is completed. In the mean time, the child is chained and starved, and eventually they themselves come to believe that they are possessed.
It is highly disturbing and unsettling that such a practice is still carried out, especially on the youngest members of society. Explanations for the practice usually stem from the Christian belief that people are possessed, and hence commit evil acts. But there is nothing “Christian” about torturing an innocent child, scamming a family, and ruining all these lives in the bargain. These communities must be educated about their practices, and the children must be provided with a safe haven. Recently the UK’s Channel 4 broadcast a documentary on the practice in Nigeria, and followed activist Gary Foxcroft in his mission to save these children. Foxcroft’s charity provides aid and relief to some of these children, and in addition he has strongly lobbied the local governors for attention and help. Although he has made some progress, it is slow and tedious, and much more needs to be done by the wider international community.
