August 13, 2024.
By Samuel Ogunsona
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) group has condemned a planned Church event in Owerri, Imo State, titled “That-Witch-Must-Die,”.
The upcoming event organized by Mercy and Power Deliverance Ministry has ignited concerns within the witches’ organization, who fear it may lead to unwarranted witch hunts in the state.
The programme will be hosted by be hosted by Apostle Dr. Angel (Owomowomo Fire), from from 9 pm to dawn on August 30, 2024.
Apostle Dr. Angel, also known as Owomowomo Fire, will host the programme on August 30, 2024. The event is scheduled to take place from 9 pm to dawn.
In a statement released on Monday by its Director, Dr. Leo Igwe, the advocacy group urged both state and federal governments to intervene and stop the event from holding, stating concerns that the event is likely to instigate witch hunts, referencing similar incidents in the state and other states that had resulted in devastating consequences.
Highlighting the danger associated with the event, the group 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 group mentioned that accusing witches is an offense under the law, especially using words like “attacked, tortured, or killed” is a threat to life and should not be encouraged.
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.
