The Plight of ‘Child Witches’ in Nigeria

Photograph by Robin Hammond

Little known in the UK is the brutal life some children in rural Nigeria are subjected to. Branded as ‘child-witches’, young children are bullied, tortured, tormented and even killed by their own parents. Ten years ago there were few cases of children stigmatised by witchcraft. But since then the numbers have grown at an alarming rate and have reached an estimated 15,000 in Akwa Ibom state alone. This is the story of a phenomenon which has gripped Nigeria, borne out of a ‘fear’ of children who according to local pastors, are ‘witches’, ‘devils’ and ‘evil’ who cast spell on their families and their neighbourhoods – all for economic self-gain in the name of Christianity.

Life in the poorer parts of Nigeria is often difficult: the hardship of no secured income, the dire living conditions, malnutrition, hunger and poverty are commonplace. As the challenges are all too apparent, many find comfort in religion and turn to Churches as sources of strength, faith and hope; perhaps for a few moments respite from these hardships. Churches, Mosques, Temples – religious buildings are all structures which harbour the spirit of peace, unity and reflection. However, in some parts of Nigeria, Churces are sadly used as vechiles for the exact opposite.

Some are maliciously betrayed. In a desperate attempt to secure a living, pastors at Churches in Nigeria claim they have the power to identify where such conditions of hardship stem from – ‘Child witches’ – which has proved to be a lucrative business for church leaders.

Church leaders claim to have the power to diagnose the cause of people’s woes and hardships – a power reserved only for pastors. After an exchange of money, they carry out what is locally known as 'deliverances' – exorcisms. Often, they cost two or three times more than the average salary of a working man per month. Parents get together, save up and then execute the ‘deliverances’.

Once confirmed as ‘child withes’ - believing every word of the pastors, parents of children condemned/labelled as child witches often turn on their children often in a frenzy – burning, poisoning, slashing, imprisoning, disowning, and even killing their own flesh and blood. This is the sad reality of what poverty, manipulation and exploitation has led to - the most innocent of all being held responsible – children.

In a bid to help some of the reasons which contribute to such phenomenon springing up including poverty, lack of education and the lack of basic infrastructure, the British Goverment is actively engaging in work to elivate some of the hardships confronted by Nigerians. In the last year, UK Aid given to Nigeria amounted to a total of £131m with a specific focus on building the infrastructure for governance, education and better health. The work will continue, but its essential to increase awareness on all levels of this largely unknown injustice sweeping parts of Nigeria.

To find out more on this issues visit:

‘End Of The Wicked’ which Stepping Stones a UK based charity flags up as being key to the spread of this practice

Robin Hammond A photo journalist who has seen it all at first hand

Channel 4 Dispatches A programme documenting the stories

Stepping Stone Nigeria A UK based charity working to help children of Nigeria abandoned by their parents