The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AFAW) have expressed concern over the rising cases of witchcraft accusations against women in Bauchi State, Nigeria. This concern follows a disturbing trend of witch-hunting in the state.

At a recent roundtable discussion in Tafawa Balewa local government area, AFAW Director Dr. Leo Igwe condemned the persistent persecution of women and children over witchcraft allegations, describing it as a deep-rooted human rights violation. Igwe noted that Bauchi State is one of the areas where abuses linked to witchcraft beliefs and ritual attacks are frequently reported. Many victims are poor, elderly, or children who cannot defend themselves, and despite modernization, these abuses persist due to the lack of justice for victims.

Igwe commended FIDA, the National Human Rights Commission, and the police for prosecuting some perpetrators of witch-hunts but emphasized the need for stronger advocacy, community education, and accountability. He urged people not to wait until they or their relatives are accused before speaking out, as everyone is a potential victim.

The Chairperson of FIDA Bauchi Branch, Hauwa Ahmad Abubakar, attributed the rise in witchcraft accusations to ignorance, poverty, and lack of awareness of legal rights. Abubakar stated that there is no provision for witchcraft in Nigerian laws, and anyone who harms or kills another person over witchcraft claims will be prosecuted. She disclosed that FIDA Bauchi had handled at least ten cases of witchcraft-related abuse in recent months.

Abubakar called on religious and community leaders to speak out more strongly against the practice, emphasizing that neither Islam nor Christianity supports witchcraft accusations. The discussion dedicated to the memory of several victims of witchcraft accusations in Bauchi serves as a reminder of the need for collective action to address this issue. As Igwe noted, it is time for Africa to join the rest of the world in making witch-hunting a thing of the past. The collaboration between FIDA and AFAW aims to raise awareness and promote justice for victims of witchcraft accusations, ultimately working towards a society where such abuses are no longer tolerated.