Child Witch Deaths

Some of the material here may not be suitable for viewing by children. This article concerns the torture, abuse and deaths of children branded as "witches". The purpose of this article is to hopefully stimulate even more global involvement to help put an end to more children losing their lives.

I am sure most pagans and others are at least somewhat aware of the child deaths coming out of Africa and the scattered reports of simular deaths and practices currently spreading. Children, as young as two years old are being labeled by christian ministers and bishops as being possessed by witchcraft, of being witches. Following the accusations, a range of deplorable actions take place. In the name of "God", painful exorcisims, torture for confessions, severe beatings leading to disfigurement, banishment from both family and village, and/or outright execution of these children ensues. These profound cruelities and deaths came to first light in 2003. It wasn't until more recently, when a documentuary film surfaced that the world as a whole became informed, had their eyes opened for them. The rise of new videos, commentaries and news releases became ten-fold. Society in general became outraged. But now, it is 2009. The death toll of children still rises.

One such bishop preforming these atrocities upon children admitted to killing over 100 such witches. The governer (Governer Godswill Akpabio) of this area, (after public outcries and subsequest arrest) claimed that the deaths were "only a figment of imagination" of the bishop. I wonder what this governer will say about the other 15,000 plus child deaths.

Although the local governments under public eye and protest are making some attempts to put an end to all this, these attempts seem to be little more than politically motivated and superficial in strength. Most recently I have read that in one sanctuary for these children either abandonded or escaped from their accusers still climbs at from 4-6 children per week. Even with the new "governmental laws" passed, christian ministers and bishops of these churches are still in practice. And from the International Herald Tribune comes an article in part which I quote, "even the police here shun children suspected of being witches." Obviously, even the police will not do anything to help or defend these innocent children.

Helen Ukpabio/ a minister who makes videos to brainwash people into believing the child witches exist, and makes a lot of money in the doing. People in Nigeria believe these kinds of videos and burn, kill, bury, maim their children. Many have denounced these videos stating that they encourage the continued abuse of children.

quote from Helen Ukpabio when questioned: "Do you cast out witchcraft in your church?"

"Yes of course. That is my calling. But, not only witches, just people with every kind of demonic spirit. God has called me to do that. God anointed me specifically because of the works of witchcraft, how the craft penetrated the church and were killing pastors."
"I'm Anointed to Cast Out Witches"ngrguardiannews

(update) I fully intended to show this video written and produced by Ukpabio, which promotes the fear and abuse of children labeled as witches. For the moment though, the video appears to have been removed from the source. It is but one of dozens which several christian ministers and bishops are using against innocent children.

An article from CNN reported continued witch burnings in rural Papua New Guinea.

By Saeed Ahmed read full article here: CNN

"A woman in rural Papua New Guinea was bound and gagged, tied to a log and set ablaze on a pile of tires this week, possibly because villagers suspected her of being a witch, police said Thursday.
Her death adds to a growing list of men and women who have been accused of sorcery and then tortured or killed in the South Pacific island nation, where traditional beliefs hold sway in many regions."

Readers, fans, friends and others;

It saddens my inner spirit deeply, that even within todays' societies and cultures such hatred and barberism still exists. For the past 5 or so years children have become the victims, being put to death for things they know nothing about. If you thought for even a single moment that the witch hunts, witch trials, burning times, the Spanish Inquisition, etc., were behind us, think again. The countries involved with child witch deaths are not really "third world countries". Though the general populace may be very poor in many ways, the governments are quite well off. Nigeria for example, is the world's sixth largest oil producer and exporter. The government reeps the rewards though, while the people suffer and ministers blame the children.

Whatever your beliefs, do not close your eyes to this. Do not think that NGO's alone can solve or cure such demented behaviour. Our EarthMother really isn't that big within the cosmos, and we are in times now where there exists a truely global community of many peoples and cultures able to interact freely. And in doing so, we can collectively interact and intervene against the horrific horrors children are subjected to.

Even though some progress has been made, particulary in Nigeria, there is still a long road ahead. Many children are now without family, without community, and brutalized. These children still need a lot of help, no doubt. Many will never be re-united with their families, the stigmatism too great upon them. Whatever little bit you can do for them, in whatever little way; helps to make a difference not only for the children, but within our global community. And isn't that part of what community is about? Caring for each other?

"Blessed Be Thy Steps"~Solitudeone