National Association of Seadogs Condemns Witch Hunts, Calls for Urgent Action on Human Rights Violations

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Pyrates Confraternity (Rima Deck), in collaboration with the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW), has called for urgent measures to end the persistent menace of witch hunts and human rights violations against women and children in Nigeria.

At a town hall meeting held in Makurdi to mark International Women’s Day, activists, legal and medical professionals, students, and survivors gathered to discuss the alarming rise in witchcraft accusations—often weaponized to justify violence, stigmatization, and dispossession of vulnerable individuals.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Dooyum Dominic Ingye, Program Manager of AfAW, described witchcraft accusations as a modern-day human rights crisis fueled by ignorance, fear, and superstition. “Witch hunts are not a relic of the past; they are a present-day scourge that continues to destroy lives. Superstition and fear are being used to justify cruelty against women, children, and even the elderly,” Ingye stated. “We must engage in sustained advocacy, strengthen legal enforcement, and push for community sensitization to dismantle these harmful practices.”

A legal expert, Barr. Michael Orshoja Gbahabo Esq., emphasized that Nigeria’s legal framework criminalizes witchcraft accusations under Section 210 of the Criminal Code, but weak enforcement allows perpetrators to act with impunity. “The law is clear, yet there is a serious gap in implementation. Authorities must step up and ensure that those who incite violence through false accusations are held accountable,” Gbahabo said.

A medical professional, Mr. Terkaa Ibiem, debunked the myths linking illness and misfortune to witchcraft, warning that accused individuals suffer severe psychological trauma, including depression and PTSD. He called for increased public awareness and medical intervention to support victims.

The town hall meeting featured heart-wrenching testimonies from survivors, including a father and daughter who were brutally attacked after being falsely accused of witchcraft. A participant also shared the tragic story of an elderly woman tortured on the orders of a pastor who labeled her a witch.

“These stories highlight the urgent need for social and legal reforms,” Mr. Jonah Ojowu, First Mate of Rima Deck, said in his closing remarks. “We must break the cycle of superstition and violence. As a society, we need to uphold justice, equity, and compassion.”

The collaboration between NAS and AfAW represents a crucial step toward eradicating witchcraft-related violence in Nigeria. Both organizations are calling on the government, civil society, and the public to take decisive action in ensuring justice and protection for all accused individuals.