Activist Leo Igwe Takes a Stand Against Witch Hunting in Nigeria

Dr. Leo Igwe's organization, Advocacy For Alleged Witches, provides crucial support and rehabilitation for those falsely accused of witchcraft in Nigeria, where such accusations can lead to severe consequences, including death. Through his work, Dr. Igwe challenges the harmful beliefs perpetuated by some religious leaders, advocating for awareness and reform.

Dr. Leo Igwe, a dedicated activist, is at the forefront of the movement to protect individuals accused of witchcraft in Nigeria, a country where such allegations can lead to severe violence and even death. “I could no longer take it,” Dr. Igwe told the BBC, recalling his frustration over witnessing the suffering inflicted on many innocent lives due to these accusations. After obtaining his doctorate in religious studies in 2017, he found that academic rhetoric alone was insufficient to combat the deeply entrenched superstitions prevalent in Nigerian society.

In response to the crisis, Dr. Igwe founded the Advocacy For Alleged Witches, an organization that uses education, compassion, and scientific reasoning to counteract the damaging effects of witchcraft accusations. The group’s efforts reach beyond Nigeria, extending to neighboring countries like Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.

One of the individuals helped by Dr. Igwe’s organization is Jude, a 33-year-old man whose life was turned upside down after being accused of witchcraft in Benue State. After an innocent comment to a boy carrying heavy jars sparked false accusations against him, Jude was brutally attacked by a mob, leading to severe injuries and loss of livelihood. "I was accused of causing the disappearance of the boy’s penis through witchcraft," he remarked, reflecting on the absurdity of the claims, which are often rooted in a psychiatric condition known as Koro syndrome.

Dr. Igwe's advocacy efforts include providing financial support for the medical treatment of accused persons like Jude and striving to reinstate their livelihoods. The Advocacy For Alleged Witches sought to reach Jude after witnessing a video of his ordeal circulating online. They assisted him with funds for his recovery and committed to financing his university education to help him rebuild his life.

The organization faces an uphill battle as superstition continues to flourish in Nigeria, where witchcraft accusations often target vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and those with disabilities. According to Nigeria Watch, media reports have documented numerous fatalities linked to witchcraft allegations, highlighting a need for urgent intervention. Experts attribute these violent beliefs to a mix of cultural traditions, unverified religious doctrines, and an overall lack of understanding.

Some Pentecostal churches exacerbate the problem through teachings that portray alleged witches as threats that must be eliminated, further intensifying violence against the accused. Despite numerous efforts to counter these narratives, some religious leaders utilize alarming slogans like "That Witch Must Die" in their promotional materials for church events. While some churches promote compassion and healing, others propagate a cycle of fear and violence.

Dr. Igwe’s commitment to fighting witch hunting comes at a personal cost. He has faced physical threats and violence for his activism, and his family has expressed concern for his safety. Still, he remains undeterred, adamant about his mission to combat injustice and educate communities on the dangers of witchcraft accusations.

Despite Nigerian law prohibiting witch accusations, enforcement remains weak, with minimal prosecution of offenders. Dr. Igwe emphasizes that the fight against witch hunting is complex but essential, stating, "We should not romanticize it in any way by trying to say: ‘Oh, it's part of our culture.’ It’s not our culture to kill innocent people." Through the Advocacy For Alleged Witches, Dr. Igwe continues to champion the rights of those in need, striving to dismantle the harmful ideologies that plague his country.