A statement on Friday by the Director of Advocacy for Alleged Witches, Dr Leo Igwe, said the call became necessary following a proposed witch-hunting event in Makurdi on Sunday, being promoted by Rain of the Spirit Ministry.
A civic group, the Advocacy for Alleged Witches has called on the police and government of Benue State to immediately stop the 'War Against Witchcraft' in the state, arrest one Pastor Daudu (Jnr), and close down the Rain of the Spirit Ministry for rights violations.
A statement on Friday by the Director of Advocacy for Alleged Witches, Dr Leo Igwe, said the call became necessary following a proposed witch-hunting event in Makurdi on Sunday, being promoted by Rain of the Spirit Ministry.
Igwe explained that the event titled: 'War Against Witchcraft', would hold on the church premises, Rain City, along Achua Road after Baptist High School, Makurdi.
"On his Facebook page, Daudu made it clear why state authorities should be concerned about the event. He stated: ‘WAR!!!!!!!! That witch that is tormenting your life must die, that witchcraft power that have(sic) been fighting you shall be made powerless, YOU MUST BE FREE, join us this SUNDAY16/June/2024@Raincity along Achua road after Baptist High School, Makurdi. Time: 3 pm, don't miss it’.
"Benue state authorities should not allow this 'war' to hold for the following reasons,” the civic group stated. "This event will be used to incite witchcraft fears, panic, and anxieties which would lead to a breach of peace and abuses in Benue communities."
The statement added, "As Daudu stated on his Facebook page, the purpose of the programme was to ensure that supposed witches died. And who are these supposed witches? Innocent men, women, and children in the communities. The programme will reinforce the belief and superstition that witches exist and torment people.”
"Meanwhile witches do not exist," Igwe stated, adding that "witch torment is a product of fear and ignorance."
"Again, witchcraft power is not recognised under Nigerian law hence witchcraft imputation is a crime. So, the supposed 'war against witchcraft' will be an exercise in criminality.
“The Rain of the Spirit Ministry will be a crime scene on Sunday. As Dauda made clear in his post, the event will be used to sanction and sanctify allegations of witchcraft, the persecution and murder of alleged witches."
The group, however, appealed to the government of Benue not to allow the event to hold.
Igwe said that Benue state has been notorious for abuses linked to witchcraft accusations.
"Suspected witches are attacked, tortured, lynched or murdered in cold blood," he said, adding that such abuses have persisted because the laws against witchcraft accusations are not enforced.
"Witchcraft accusers and witch persecutors are not penalised. Witch hunters and warriors like Daudu are not brought to justice. Witch hunters engage in incitement of hatred and violence against alleged witches with impunity.
"The Advocacy for Alleged Witches urges Benue state authorities to take necessary measures to prevent this War Against Witchcraft and other abuses linked to witchcraft beliefs and ritual attacks. Witch hunting must stop. Witch hunters must be stopped."