The 'Witch-Children' of Akwa Ibom
By Reuben Abati
NOT enough outrage has greeted the broadcast of the documentary, "Saving Africa's Witch Children" by the UK Channel 4 on November 12, the material is available on the internet, the horror and the scandal contained therein are being circulated world-wide. Weeks later, there has been no report of any meaningful response to the horrific details of that documentary by the Akwa Ibom State Government, the Federal Government and the security agencies, other than that the Child Rights Bill has now been passed into law in Akwa Ibom State.
Very few electronic materials in the last decade, have done as much damage to Nigeria's image as this documentary. It is a factual portrayal of the failure of the Nigerian state, the entrapment of the people in a shell of superstition and hysteria, the absolutely low value of human life in Nigeria, the abuse of Nigeria's children and the opportunism of religious charlatans who lie, kill and cheat in God's name. Covering the plight of children who are dubbed "witches" in Akwa Ibom, the documentary tells a familiar Nigerian story.
It begins on an appropriately instructive note: "Say Amen, Amen, Say Amen, Amen." A Christian worship is in session. The substance of the documentary is how so-called religious leaders - Pastors, priests and self-styled Bishops engage in exorcism as they spread a scary gospel about the existence of evil and witchcraft in the Akwa Ibom community. This has led to mass delusion and hysteria in parts of the state with children, mostly being accused of witchcraft.
The children are exposed to all forms of dehumanization. One had a nail driven into her skull. Another was given poison to drink. Many were set on fire. Innocent-looking young children including babies under the age of seven are stigmatized and driven away by their parents and relations. Other parents take their children to churches where a Pastor declares the child a witch or wizard, who is in need of deliverance.
But it is soon clear enough that the Pastors are lying and cheating. They summon Jesus Christ, they shout God's name but their claims are not proven. One Bishop Sunday Ulup-Aya says "we have 2.3 million witches and wizards in Akwa Ibom." The population of Akwa Ibom, according to the 2006 national population census is 3.9 million. How did Ulup-Aaya arrive at his figure of 2.3 million witches? Does he run a population bureau? Another Pastor says "witchcraft is all over". To cast out the evil spell of witchcraft Bishop Ulup-Aya charges N40, 000 per client and if a parent is unable to pay, he holds the child captive until the bill is settled. The children are not allowed to defend themselves; they are tortured and forced to admit guilt. This is what you get when a country is failing.
This documentary exposes a disturbing social reality in Nigeria: the reign of ignorance and obsession with superstition. Poverty has done terrible damage to our society and the souls of men. Surrounded by so much uncertainty and unable to fulfil basic ambitions, Nigerians are increasingly seeking solace in the new churches which promise "miracles and wonders." In these churches, extremism is the norm; any form of disappointment or career setback is identified as the handiwork of witches and wizards. And the priest, claiming to have supernatural powers, immediately points to a child, a relation or a colleague at work as the Devil. So many relationships have been destroyed as a result.
The churches organise what they call special Deliverance sessions, sometimes overnight, or early in the morning and every activity is targeted at "that witch in your life that is blocking your progress". Go to any of those churches and witness how feet-stumping, hysterical men and women scream: "Holy Ghost Fire, Burn Them"; "Father Kill My Enemy" "My enemy die, die. I say die, die, die, die by fire now" Thus, many churches have been taken over by closet assassins and murderers looking for witches, wizards and enemies to kill. Too many atrocities have been committed in Nigeria in God's name.
Africans generally are superstitious. Witches and wizards are part of the African world-view and the fear of Satan is such a living companion of the Christian doctrine.. But this should not provide an excuse for criminality. The dehumanisation of the children in the Channel 4 UK documentary should have prompted government and its agencies into action. It is noteworthy that although "there are 2.3 million witches in Akwa Ibom", it is only children that are being targeted by the self-appointed exterminators of witches. It is further instructive that the children who are being stigmatised, are children from poor homes. Poor children are the greatest victims of the failure of the Nigerian state. Many underprivileged parents would throw away their children for any reason whatsoever.
The documentary confirms the extent of the anomie in the land. What kind of brainless parent will accept that his child is a witch just because a Pastor has said so? Why are the witch-hunters targeting children who are defenceless and vulnerable? Are there no adults among Bishop Sunday's 2.3 million witches? In other parts of Nigeria, children are abused in other ways. They are kidnapped and used for money-making rituals. Girls are raped. Both boys and girls are taken out of school and sent onto the streets as hawkers.
The weakest link in dealing with this, is government's non-challant attitude. Between 1999-2007, civil society groups campaigned vigorously for the passing of the Child Rights Act across the states and at the National level. The Act was opposed in many of the State Houses of Assembly on the grounds that it contains provisions that are insensitive to the people's culture. And what culture was being referred to? - The freedom to sustain such practices as child--marriage, female circumcision and child labour. It is sad that at a time when other nations of the world are sending their children to schools, offering them welfare support and equipping them for the future, Nigeria is labelling its own children witches and wizards, and dehumanising them.
In 1692 there was a witchcraft inquisition in the United States, in Salem, Massachussetts. In Nigeria, in the middle part of the 19th Century twins were being branded evil in Calabar, until Mary Slessor, a Christian missionary, helped to put a stop to their killing. During the Middle Ages in Europe, millions of women were labelled witches and executed. Today, the United States is no longer stoning witches. In Salem, there is a Witchcraft Heights Elementary School and the Salem High School Football team is called The Witches. Nigeria is still in the Middle Ages. The growing number of Nigerian children in difficult circumstances says a lot about the country's future. How will Nigeria compete in the future with so many ignorant and poor parents, 10 million kids out of school, and about the worst infant mortality and maternal morbidity rates in the world?
The documentary reports the humanitarian efforts of two Non-Governmental Organisations - Child Rights and Rehabilitation Network (CRARN) led by Sam Ikpe-Itauma and his wife and Stepping Stones, Nigeria represented by Gary Foxcroft - a 29-year old British charity worker. Since 2003, both NGOs have been providing accommodation and support for abandoned "witch" children. Itauma and Foxcroft run a home and a school where witch-children are given an opportunity to be human. "Once a child has been stigmatised as a witch, it is very difficult for someone to accept that child back. If they go out from this community...there is a lot of attacks, assault and abuses on the children", says Itauma.
The Akwa Ibom State Government should have intervened to stop the madness. The children should be interviewed and offered support. Their parents and the Pastors who demonised them should be tracked down and made to face the wrath of the law. Their impunity should not be allowed to go unpunished. Many of the children were assaulted and disfigured. There are grounds for charging their tormentors with attempted manslaughter, assault, abduction and other offences. The implementation of the Akwa Ibom Child Rights Edict should begin.
Even if those three-year old babies in the documentary are witches, no one has the right to inflict punishment on them. Nigerian law criminalises witchcraft and sorcery, but only a court of law is empowered to determine this, not a Bishop Sunday administering what he calls "poisonous destroyer". On camera, this same Sunday reports that he has killed up to 110 witches. What are the police still waiting for? Who gave him the authority to declare a man a witch and then kill him? He also says he collects N40,000 to free a child from the hold of witchcraft. He is obviously a businessman. Helen Ukpabio, Prophetess and Founder of the Liberty Foundation and Gospel Ministries has spoken in defence of the anti-witchcraft campaign by Pentecostal pastors. Does she know something that she should also be telling the police?
The witches of Akwa Ibom are not those innocent children, but those who have mismanaged Nigeria's resources, and made it difficult for parents and their children to have a good life. The long-term solution is in the province of purposeful leadership and developing Nigeria and its people. The Akwa Ibom State Government must resist the temptation to dismiss the Channel 4 UK Documentary as Western propaganda or a spoiler's effort, organized by NGOs seeking foreign funding. For their passion and courage, Sam Ituama and Gary Foxcroft's names should be on this year's National Honours list.
By protecting over 150 rejected "witch-children", they took a risk. And if those children were witches anyway, the two Good Samaritans and their team could have been "eaten". After all, Bishop Sunday Ulup-Aya says "winches eat human beings." Winches? He also quotes Jesus Christ. But the Lord Jesus Christ says in Matthew 19: 14: "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the Kingdom of heaven".
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Comments Page: 1  posted on 11-28-2008, 15:18:37 PM Salstep Re: The `witch-children` Of Akwa IbomBetter later than never!
Lets hope this article brings even more attention to the plight of these poor children.  posted on 11-28-2008, 20:20:21 PM EmjRe: The `witch-children` Of Akwa IbomThanks Reuben...but i would have preferred the Header to be The Abused Children ...let's step away from using the same Label that the evil tormentors have for long used......all in all, better you write about it now than never or much later.....i hope the Federal and State govt will do much more than Ojuaye threats and knee-jerk utterances/approach to this very grievous and serious matter. posted on 11-28-2008, 20:45:48 PM AuspiciousAmen..We Hope. We Pray. We Wait.
For these children who have been terribly abused by opportunists And for those who have used their resources to help these children That a permanent end to this shamef will come sooner than later.. And that those who peptrate these evils will surely get their comeuppance. Auspicious. posted on 11-28-2008, 21:50:06 PM VORRe: The `witch-children` Of Akwa IbomReuben thanks for writing about this issue most of our journalists have turned a blind eye to. I believe the govt of Akwa Ibom state will do more for these kids, they just need nudging in the right direction. Sam Ikpe-Itauma and his wife are people I have so much respect for. They could easily have looked the other way pretending this horror is not happening, carrying on with their lives quietly, not looking for trouble whilst privately asking God to help the children. However this couple chose not to do this, they stepped up to the plate, they rescued this children, opened up their homes to them and shower them with love and care. They are truly truly deserving of honour. At just 32 years old, Sam has shown courage and selflessness traits lacking in so many these days. I say a big thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Sam Ikpe- Itauma and pray that the Lord Almighty will reward your labour of love with abundant blessings! You definitely are one of God's chosen few! posted on 11-29-2008, 02:05:38 AM AkuluounoRe: The `witch-children` Of Akwa IbomWas eating in a restaurant and watching an all white cast film about child witches on a television and all my thoughts came to the issue at stake. In fact many in the restaurant believed that children are purveyors of witchraftcy. There and then I saw one of the reasons why Ms Ukpabio and co have led us into this mire.
If indeed this government has a monopoly of power by virtue of our contract in 2007, it should move fast to bring all the culprits captured in the video to book along with the grand wizard of Yola College of Legal Studies and preventer of percieved annihilation of christian students wearing the cross or hugging in public  
NVS thanks for all the new emoticons and please do keep bringing them on:shake: posted on 11-29-2008, 11:49:53 AM NorrisRe: The `witch-children` Of Akwa IbomA positive write up. Very unfortunate. posted on 11-29-2008, 11:52:06 AM DewdropsRe: The `witch-children` Of Akwa IbomQUOTE:
Sorry to interrupt you and your "muse".... Tap...tap....tap.......anybody home? hello......hello? The welfare of women and children have never been a priority in such areas of the world. We just got over the "killing" of twins as taboo less than 50 years ago. Thank God for Mary Slessor. 
Let us wait another 50 years for the abolition of "child witches". posted on 11-29-2008, 13:10:59 PM ObugiRe: The `witch-children` Of Akwa IbomAll, The sad part is, there are supposedly civilized people right here on NVS like LizMoses who actually believe in the child witch thing.......and she's not the only one to declare it openly. Now does anyone actually believe all these Pentecostal Xtians on NVS who are always justifying anything in the name of Jesus, when they pretend to condemn this crazy stuff? In short, knowing what we know now about African Xtianity, make we talk true, is any child safe in the hands of an African Pentecostal or any other Xtian? All it will take is an appropriate vision or prophecy from the right pastor or priest and the child will be killed or abused in some horrible way. Make una carry on sha. Please give the White Boy Savior all the help you can. He needs it to protect children from superstitious and delusional people like African Christians. Obugi. posted on 11-29-2008, 15:13:36 PM ObugiThe `witch-children` Of Akwa IbomAll,
Ruben Abati wrote: QUOTE:
We read that, and then LizMoses - very educated, sophisticated, well travelled and modern- writes this: QUOTE:
Muah ha ha ha lol lol bu ha ha o!!!! The truth is the the African Xtian actually believes this crap, never mind the posturing on NVS and other public fora. Is it not the Bible quoted in my signature that they hold as the undisputed Word of God? 
I brought this same practice to the attention of NVS months ago via Al Jazeera, but it was an Arab Channel and the reporter was a Negro woman, so no one gave a hoot till White Boy gave them permission to open their dirty mouths!!!!! Stepping Stones should drive over to Igboland and film the burning of "pagan" villages so the Igbo Xtians - you know yourselves - could at least develope some human feeling of outrage. 
African Xtianity is one hellofathing!!!!
Come O, where is Alhaji Gwobe when you need him? Allllahuuuu Akbaaaar! Craaaap, maybe Gwobe like this sort of atrocity....Muslims are a semitic religion too.............draaaat! Obugi. posted on 11-29-2008, 16:53:15 PM ONYEBUCHIRe: The `witch-children` Of Akwa IbomWhat do u expect from a lawless country.Arresting those offenders will make
no sense.Afterall,the rulers of that country believe in witchcraft also.Many of them went to shrine and performed one ritual or the other before getting to where they are.The police,army,navy and the rest believe so much in witch and wizards plus juju.I can only say that we need more enlightenment and work harder to defeat poverty. posted on 11-29-2008, 17:11:52 PM ObugiRe: The `witch-children` Of Akwa IbomOnyebuchi,
QUOTE:
What has this episode of child murder got to do with Juju? Watching that video or in any discussion or report of killing child "witches", was any juju mentioned? But there is a God for whom these atrocities were performed. A God that in His own words and deeds affirmed infanticide as a worthy practice. Are you afraid to say the name(s)? Could you at least not shift blame to where it doesn't belong? Do I even need to guess what religion you practice? I weak for una O! ! Get Yours ! Obugi. posted on 11-29-2008, 17:39:06 PM DupsieRe: The `witch-children` Of Akwa IbomQUOTE:
This is giving honour to whom it is due. i commend Sam Ikpe and his wife for the wonderful work they are doing. they make us proud as Nigerians. It is great to see people are acknowledging that Nigerians themselves are at the forefront of fighting this evil, and that we are not being saved by a white man as the mainstream media are promoting. There is only so much foreigners can do, it is up to us to make changes happen. its our country, and our children afterall. Lets do what we can to support Sam. Kudos! posted on 11-29-2008, 18:00:39 PM ObugiThe `witch-children` Of Akwa IbomDupsie, Are you going to give honour to the White Boy too? He started this campaign to save these clueless Ibibio Xtians from themselves, whether you like it or not. The only reason YOU are on this site discussing Christian inspired infanticide is because of him. QUOTE:
Abeg make I hear word jaaaarrrre! Nigerians fighting this evil? Right here on NVS Christians are insisting that child witches exist. Right here !!!! The rest will be in church tomorrow shivering and shuddering and speaking in tongues and one deliverance or another!!! The ONLY reason Nigerian Christians are pretending to condemn this crap is because the White Boy prompted them. Obugi. posted on 11-29-2008, 18:35:20 PM VORRe: The `witch-children` Of Akwa IbomQUOTE:
No, the white man did not start the campaign! Sam Ikpe Ituama started the campaign. He started by taking in four children accused of witchcraft and driven out of their homes and community, from these four children, he now has 157 children in the orphanage. Sam co-opted Gary (the white man) into the campaign not the other way round, let us give honour to whom it is due! Frankly I don't give a monkey's behind who brought it to the attention of the world, what I care about is people are stepping up to do something about rehabilitating these children......so what have you got to offer these kids? posted on 11-29-2008, 18:46:11 PM DupsieRe: The `witch-children` Of Akwa IbomQUOTE:
Thank you jare, my brother. who will rehabilitate the nigerian children? its us, okay. Its our duty, our responsibility. We are the bereaved, we should be crying the loudest. People are already doing things to help, like sending funds direct to Sam and his organisation, like preparing to launch a law-suit against Helen Ukpabio for inciting child abuse, murder and child abandonment. Lets join them or support them to stop this evil and stop relying on others to do things for us. thats my point here. thanks posted on 11-29-2008, 19:00:26 PM ObugiAnother Atrocity.....VOR,
QUOTE:
I remember I posted about this whole witch thing a good 2 or 3 months ago, I even posted a video but no one cared, not even all the Xtians here shedding tears. The only difference between then and now is that Oyibo is involved. OK, why not take on another campaign before another Oyibo beats all you devout Christians to it? I'm especially talking to you Igbo Xtians. Right now in Igboland, there are pogroms being unleashed on pagans communities or unbelievers. Their houses are burned, they're chased off their lands and some are even killed.................and get this, the pogroms are sponsored by churches. I've talked about this in the past, non of the Body of Christ cared. The ONLY Christian on NVS that even ACKNOWLEDGED that such things are happening is LionKing. Are you waiting for a White God to save us pagans, or will you act now to save your fellow Africans? Are we not worthy of your time because we're headed to hell anyway? Or maybe its Igbophobia? I mean, there are still many people here on NVS who believe that children can be possessed by demons and witchcraft, so what am I to think of you Christians? Someday a video will surface narrated by a White (Wo)man and we'll get all this hullabaaallooooo. I'm telling it to you NOW so you can alert your congregations and do something. You're Igbo, abi? You should know what I'm talking about unless you're part of the conspiracy of silence. Me I can't do anything. I'm a pagan and your brethren will just kill me. A Christian like you is in a better position to confront your own breed Spiritual Warriors. Please, please, na beg I beg una, make una no disappoint me. Thank goodness for the White Man. The African Christian isn't worth the paper a Bible is printed on. ! Get Yours ! Obugi. posted on 11-29-2008, 19:09:29 PM WillyRe: The `witch-children` Of Akwa IbomPeeps,
It is all well and good to express outrage, and chip in the much you can to the various efforts that have been set up online to help these kids, however, please do take time to speak with family and friends on this issue. One, it will help achieve critical mass to term this a movement, above all, you may have helped other children in the country by educating an adult. I write this because of my experience. If an advanced degree holder in Nigeria can insist that there are many child-witches though the number portrayed in the video clips was exaggerated, then we are in for a long fight. Dr. Abati, I hail you for adding your voice to this noble campaign posted on 11-29-2008, 19:13:58 PM ObugiRe: The `witch-children` Of Akwa IbomWilly,
QUOTE:
I strongly suspect Dr. Abati is a member of NVS or at least views the commentary. This atrocity was brought to light [B]months ago[/B] and neither Abati nor anyone else cared till an Oyibo got involved. ! Get Yours ! Obugi. posted on 11-30-2008, 22:16:35 PM WayfarerRe: The `witch-children` Of Akwa IbomQUOTE:
As VOR already pointed out, you are completely wrong there. The campaign was started by a Nigerian who is as Black as you and I. QUOTE:
Again that is quite wrong. QUOTE:
The western media is loathe to airing programs that depict Black people engaged in constructive activities. They are only interested in disseminating programs that portray us as backward or primitive, or that show Africans being "saved" by White people. They aired this program because their worldview defines Africans as subordinate to White people and dependent on their leadership. If White people are not involved, Africa simply does not exist to them. Which White people initiated the protests over the treatment of Osamuyiwa Aikpitanyi? Are any White people involved in the plans to organize a christmas party for kids? This plan was in the works long before this Akwa Ibom episode. Are there any White people spearheading the attempts to sanction Rear Admiral Arogundade? No, these initiatives are all being undertaken by indigenous Nigerians. Yes, we are still profoundly constrained by the shackles of colomentality and inferior complex, but I think you are overlooking what might very well be some departure from this apathy that has hindered us in the past, in favor of a new resolve to contribute to the development of our country. Don't you just love all these White people who come to Africa to "save" Black people? They will not mix with Black people in their own countries. In fact, they give Black neighbourhoods in their countries the widest berths possible and base their opinions of their Black countrymen on negative stereotypes cultivated centuries ago. But they will travel thousands of miles to "save" Black Africans. People like Madonna and Angelina Jolie probably couldn't locate a Black neighbourhood in America to save their lives, but they will move heaven and earth to go to Africa and buy Black babies. It's amazing the lengths some people will go to just so they can surreptitiously portray the Black race as inferior. posted on 12-01-2008, 07:39:55 AM RoseRe: The `witch-children` Of Akwa Ibom@Wayfarer,
QUOTE:
Yes!! That stunt where Cindy McCain invited a Rwandan woman to the Republican convention and placed her in the glare of spotlights makes me cringe to this day. I also felt Cindy spoke in "code" "at" Black Americans when she stressed the Rwandan woman's power to "forgive" in light of all she has endured. posted on 12-01-2008, 08:46:51 AM WayfarerRe: The `witch-children` Of Akwa IbomQUOTE:
You think?
Ask yourself a simple question, when is the last time you saw an African introduced to the American populace in a capacity other than that of refugee? Which is rather strange because I can't remember ever meeting any African in the United States who wasn't self-sufficient. For people who are supposed to be complete wastrels, we sure manage to do quite well in the United States! Oh yes Cindy McCain was definitely speaking in code to Black Americans. Telling Black Americans and all Black people to forgive. The problem with this injunction is that White people do not practise what they preach. Black people are routinely dismissed as picky for protesting racist attitudes but they were strangely mum when the Italians practically censored Spike Lee's last film because they felt it presented a distorted view of Italian history. Where have all these people been all these years when movies made about Africans that were supposed to depict Africans' lives, instead headlined white characters who typically only had minor involvements with the African protagonists? Where were these people when Mississippi burning, a movie that was supposed to be about civil rights workers focused on two white F.B.I. agents instead? If a movie is made about basketball, a sport dominated by Blacks, rather than focus on the players, the coach instead becomes the focus. However, movies about baseball will usually concentrate on the players since many baseball players are White. If I didn't know better, I would think that White people represent a significant proportion of the population of Africa, according to what is depicted in Hollywood movies. In fact, they represent a minuscle minority. The overwhelming majority of Africans are Black people. Let Hollywood keep lying. Cindy McCain talks about forgiveness. Farrakhan is still ostracized till this day. What was his crime? He had the audacity to express disapproval over hateful treatment directed at him by his countrymen. Malcolm X was similarly hated for rightfully criticizing the establishment. I mean these men were hated for criticizing evil treatment from their countryment. But the same immoral people who call Farrakhan a racist today are the same people who will hop on a plane to stay in a hotel in South Africa, a hotel owned by people who scant two decades ago, would have used deadly force to prevent Black people from entering them. Africans are like museum pieces to many foreigners. They will not engage the African in trade. They will not mention the African in connection with anything unless it makes the African look inferior. The degenerate Belgians who perpetrated those evil deeds in Rwanda and the Congo do not deserve forgiveness. They deserve to be tried for crimes against humanity and punished accordingly. Relief for Africa indeed. They move out of a neighborhood when a Black person moves in, that's what they do in their own country, but they want to go to Africa to "save" Black babies. They definitely think Black people are stupid. posted on 12-01-2008, 09:38:04 AM ObugiRe: The `witch-children` Of Akwa IbomWayfarer,
One. The plight of these children was in the public domain LONG before it was broadcast on Oyibo Channel 4 with an Oyibo man narrating it. I posted one such thread narrated by an Arab and a Black woman. Why didn't the Christians of NVS take it up then? Care to enlighten me? Two. Now listen carefully. I will not be shouted down by people who let their race pride get in the way of FACT. One such FACT is that the belief system of demons, deliverance, raising from the dead and curing sickness by prophets and so on is rampant even among so called "enlightened" Nigerians, including those living abroad and among those on this NVS. Ula Lisa has informed us he used his powers to raise his baby daughter from the dead, Amy believes a prophet resurrected a dead person in Nigeria, LizMoses believes children can be possessed by demons. Need I go on? Well, here's more. In Maryland, Houston and London and anywhere there are Nigerian Churches, this sort of conduct is normal and the worst aspects of it are only constrained by fear of the law. Even then, it is normal in Nigerian churches abroad to see barren women writhing or being pushe around in front of pastors, autistic children being exorcised and so on. The Nigerian Xtians on NVS know this goes on even in their own Nigerian congregations abroad. Its now common practice to invite and pay big money to powerful Pastors from Nigeria to go cast out demons in Nigerians in America and London. One was just there a few weeks ago, Nigerians were paying $1000, $3000 for him to sleep at their houses and exorcise their children or mothers in law or whatever. Do I need to name names and places? The bottom line is that the tears being shed among Nigerian Xtians about this episode are insincere and they know it. The superstition that inspired this tragedy is part and parcel of the Nigerian Xtian community and they will not let go of it. I as much as predicted this long ago, and simple logic predicts that there will be more such tragedies in the future until your Nigerians come to terms with what is real and what is simple foolishness. You can stone me to death now. ! Get Yours ! Obugi. posted on 12-05-2008, 16:45:42 PM David EbohRe: The `witch-children` Of Akwa IbomI am glad that Reuben like me has taken the step to deal with the issue of morale decadence in Nigeria which many pastors have capitalised not just for meeting their own selfish end but in the destruction of the lives and future of innocent children. This is happening because, nobody is being held accountable for the serious breach of contract between citizens and the government. The reliance on pastors' gods means that the leaders of government at the three tier levels engross themselves in complete nonchalance to the suffering, poverty, mayhem and murder across the country. Legislatures are reluctant to make laws that will turn things around. Even when the laws are eventually made, the muscle to enforce is paralysed by the power of those who currently benefits from the status quo. But it must be noted that religion in Nigeria has become the greatest barrier to improvement in the quality of life for the people. The government and not witches is responsible for the poverty of thought, mind and movement. Pastors must not be allowed to continue on this evil path of abusing, raping and killing innocent children as a way for the sanctification of a community. Comments Page: 1 |
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