Witch-Hunt Fears: Advocacy Group Urges Authorities to Stop Church’s ‘That-Witch-Must-Die’ Event in Imo State

A planned church event in Imo State titled “That-Witch-Must-Die” has sparked outrage and concern among human rights advocates. The event, organized by the Mercy and Power Deliverance Ministry and scheduled for August 30, 2024, has been condemned by the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW), which is calling for the intervention of the government and security agencies to prevent the program from taking place.

In a statement released on Monday, Dr. Leo Igwe, Director of AfAW, urged the Imo State government and security forces to take immediate action, warning that the event could incite violence and provoke witch hunts, leading to devastating consequences. The advocacy group highlighted similar incidents in the past, where such events have resulted in attacks, torture, and even deaths of individuals accused of witchcraft.

“The event, titled ‘That Witch Must Die,’ will hold at Mercy and Power Deliverance Ministry on Friday, August 30, 2024, from 9 pm to dawn. The church is located along Marcon Estate Opposite Monkey Village Umuodu, Mbieri, Imo state. One Apostle Dr. Angel (Owomowomo Fire) will be the host,” Igwe revealed.

AfAW pointed out that billboards promoting the event have already been erected in various parts of the state, including the capital city of Owerri, raising fears about the potential impact on the community.

“We are worried about this programme because it will lead to instigation and provocation of witch hunts in the state,” the organization stated. AfAW emphasized that while some may argue that the event is an exercise of religious freedom, it should not be confused with the incitement of violence, hatred, and murder under the guise of religion.

“It is important to distinguish the exercise of religious or belief freedom from the incitement of violence, attack, and murder in the name of religion or belief. The 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 advocacy group stressed that witchcraft accusations often serve as a death sentence for those accused, with many individuals being attacked, tortured, or killed. They reminded the public that under Nigerian law, accusations or imputation of witchcraft are criminal offenses, and those convicted are liable to imprisonment.

“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,” AfAW warned.

The group also recounted its involvement in previous cases of witchcraft accusations and witch hunts in Imo State, including in areas like Orlu, Oguta, Obowo, and Mbano, where some victims were attacked during or after similar witch-hunting rallies.

“Unfortunately, other victims did not live to tell their stories,” the statement added. “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.”

AfAW concluded its statement by appealing to the police, state security services, the National Human Rights Commission, and other relevant agencies to restrain Apostle Dr. Angel and his church from carrying out the event and to ensure that this attempt to incite witch-hunting in the state is stopped before it can cause harm.