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Reuters

Nigerian aid groups help children accused of witchcraft rebuild lives

Reuters · 1 month ago
Reuters
Reuters
1 month ago

Tens of thousands of Nigerian children have been accused of witchcraft over the past 20 years, resulting in abandonment and brutal violence. Despite laws preventing witchcraft-related child abuse, activists say it’s still widespread and aid groups are left to help children rebuild their lives.

Breakdown
  • A nine-year-old boy was attacked by his mother after being accused of witchcraft by a local pastor.
  • Despite laws against witchcraft-related child abuse, activists say the practice remains widespread in Nigeria. 58s
  • CRAN estimates that more than 30,000 Nigerian children have faced witchcraft accusations in the past 20 years, especially in Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. 1m 7s
  • Evangelical pastors and witch doctors contribute to the problem by charging fees for exorcisms of accused children. 1m 28s
  • Aid organizations like CRAN focus on education and rehabilitation to help accused children build better futures. 1m 39s