The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) has expressed concerns over a planned event in Mbieri, Imo State, titled “That-Witch-Must-Die,” organised by a church, the Mercy and Power Deliverance Ministry.
In a statement released on Monday by its Director, Dr. Leo Igwe, the advocacy group urged the state government and security agencies to intervene and prevent the programme from taking place on August 30, 2024.
The organisation warned that the event would likely instigate and provoke witch hunts in the state, citing similar incidents in the state and other states that had resulted in devastating consequences.
Dr. Igwe noted that billboards advertising the programme had already been erected in various parts of the state, including the capital city of Owerri.
The event, scheduled to take place at the Mercy and Power Deliverance Ministry from 9 pm to dawn on August 30, 2024, will be hosted by Apostle Dr. Angel (Owomowomo Fire).
The advocacy group emphasised the need for prompt action to prevent harm and ensure the safety of alleged witches in the state.
“The event, titled, ‘That Witch Must Die’, will hold at Mercy and Power Deliverance Ministry on Friday, August 30, 2024, from 9 pm to dawn. The church is located along Marcon Estate Opp Monkey Village Umuodu, Mbieri, Imo state. One Apostle Dr Angel (Owomowomo Fire) will be the host,” Igwe revealed.
Highlighting the dangers in allowing such event to hold, the Rights Organisation said, “we are worried about this programme because it will lead to instigation and provocation of witch hunts in the state.
Some people may argue that this programme is an exercise of freedom of religion or belief and any attempt to stop the programme violates human rights.
“Incidentally, this is not the case. It is important to distinguish exercise of religious or belief freedom from incitement of violence, attack and murder in the name of religion or belief. Exercise of religious or belief freedom must be defended while incitement of violence, hatred and murder as in this case must be condemned,” the statement noted.
The organisation explained that witchcraft accusation is a form of death sentence, adding that alleged witches have been “attacked, tortured, or killed”. The advocacy reminded that “witchcraft accusation is an offense under the law in Nigeria.
Those convicted of accusation or imputation of witchcraft are legally liable to imprisonment.”
It added, “So, this programme is an exercise in crime.
It incites hatred and violence against suspected witches. This event instigates and sanctifies accusations, persecutions, and murder of alleged witches.
“The Advocacy for Alleged Witches has intervened in cases of witchcraft accusations and witch hunting in the state, including cases in Orlu, Oguta, Obowo, Mbano, etc. Some of the victims were attacked during or after witch hunting rallies like this.
At a recent event in Owerri, some attendees recounted horrific stories of witchcraft accusations and witch persecutions in the state.
“Unfortunately, other victims did not live to tell their stories. AfAW implores state authorities not to turn a blind eye to this
‘That-Witch-Must-Die’ programme in Mbieri. They should not allow evil pastors to turn the state into a witch-killing field.
“The Advocacy for Alleged Witches urges the police, state security service, national human rights commission, and other agencies to use their good offices to restrain Apostle Dr. Angel and his church and ensure that this attempt to incite witch-hunting in the state is nipped in the bud,” the group appealed.
