A’Ibom Witchcraft Commission Ends Sitting In London

The Akwa Ibom Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Witchcraft Accusations and Child Abuses yesterday concluded its sitting in London.

According to reports, the commission was established in November 2010 by Governor Godswill Akpabio with a mandate to investigate the extent of child witchcraft accusations in the state and evolve recommendations. While in London, it obtained evidences from a UK-based child right NGO, Stepping Stone Nigeria (SSN) which  had been at the centre of the alleged child abuses controversy in Akwa Ibom State.

The Chairman of the commission, Justice Godwin Abraham, told newsmen at the end of its session at the Nigerian High Commission, that recommendations made would be fair as well as address stigmatisation and abuse of children.

“ We are here to make recommendations that will have far-reaching effects not only in addressing the issue of witchcraft but also in addressing the welfare of children in Akwa Ibom State.

“There were lots of accusations and allegations against the SSN/UK which is based in the UK and collaborates with Child Rights and Rehabilitation Network (CRAN) in Cross River State.

“Due to security reasons, Mr Gary Foxcroft, the SSN Programme Director, was unable to testify in Nigeria, hence, the sitting in London,’’ he said.

He said the state government was determined to unravel the truth, especially with regards to allegations of children being accused of witchcraft and being stigmatised.

Other allegations, he said, included children being killed or buried alive in shallow graves.

“This became a source of concern to the state government given the fact that the present government is child-friendly.

“We are not just concerned about the issue of witchcraft, we are also worried about why child destitutes are on the increase on our streets,’’ he added.

Abraham, who dismissed the notion that the commission members were on a jamboree in London, pointed out that the trip was worth embarking on with the evidence from Foxcroft.

“Foxcroft was being fair, he presented himself with a lot of commitment and dedication.

“ We saw frankness in his presentation. We are satisfied with what he did,’’ he said.

The chairman said the future of one child could be destroyed if adequate attention, care and support was not given to that child at the appropriate time.

The commission was established in November 2010 by Governor Godswill Akpabio with a mandate to investigate the extent of child witchcraft accusations in the state and make recommendations.

Rivers State Head of Service, Mrs Esther Anucha (right) and her husband, Dr Dominic Anucha during the Distinguished Citizens Honorary Awards at Opobo Town, recently