In brief
Dr. Leo Igwe is leading the charge against witch-hunting in Nigeria through his organization, Advocacy For Alleged Witches. His work brings awareness to the severe consequences individuals face due to these superstitions and highlights the urgent need for cultural and legal reforms.
In Nigeria, accusations of witchcraft can lead to life-threatening violence, casting a dark shadow over innocent lives. Dr. Leo Igwe, a dedicated activist and founder of Advocacy For Alleged Witches, has made it his mission to confront this perilous issue head-on. “I could no longer take it. You know, just staying around and seeing people being killed randomly,” Dr. Igwe recounts his frustration leading to this important work.With a doctorate in religious studies obtained in 2017, Dr. Igwe turned his academic knowledge into advocacy, determined to dismantle the prevailing witch-hunting culture. He and his organization employ “compassion, reason, and science” to combat the rampant superstitions that often lead to devastating consequences for accused individuals. His efforts extend beyond Nigeria to neighboring countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.One of the unfortunate cases Dr. Igwe intervened in was that of Jude, a 33-year-old glazier beaten and accused of witchcraft after innocently commenting on a boy's agility. This mob attack included 15 individuals, resulting in Jude being stripped and brutalized under the false premise that he had caused the boy’s disappearance through magical means. Tragically, Jude lost his job and was forced into hiding following the incident, compounded by the stigma surrounding witchcraft accusations.Dr. Igwe's organization took immediate action, providing Jude with financial support for medical care and pledging to cover his university fees, hoping to pave the way for a fresh start. Many individuals targeted by witch-hunts share a profile of vulnerability—often young, old, disabled, or living in poverty—yet bear the brunt of societal fears and prejudice.In Nigeria, witchcraft is deeply ingrained in cultural beliefs, often leading to violence against the accused. Despite laws prohibiting witchcraft accusations, enforcement remains scarce, with a rising toll of deaths linked to these accusations. Dr. Olaleye Kayode, a lecturer in African Indigenous Religions, pointedly remarks that ignorance is at the core of these actions, worsened by misinterpretations of religious teachings that demonize alleged witches.Dr. Igwe highlights the issue of influential Pentecostal pastors exacerbating fears around witchcraft, sometimes inciting violence through their messages. Notably, he encountered a church event titled “That Witch Must Die,” which he attempted to halt through petitions to local authorities, although it unfortunately proceeded as planned.Amidst potential backlash, Dr. Igwe remains resolute in his work, despite having faced physical assaults himself. The activist stresses the importance of leadership in these dark times, firmly believing in the need to challenge harmful cultural practices. Undeterred, he continues to mobilize community advocates via WhatsApp groups to monitor and respond to instances of witch-hunting.In light of the continuing violence and human rights violations associated with witchcraft accusations, the challenge to eliminate these practices remains daunting. The UN Human Rights Council’s 2021 resolution against such violations serves as a step towards awareness, yet systemic change is desperately needed in Nigeria and beyond.Dr. Igwe succinctly states, “Trying to end witch-hunting is a challenge and we should not romanticise it in any way.” His relentless work and call for justice shine a light on the need for broader societal change and respect for human dignity in the face of fear and superstition.
