Advocacy for Alleged Witches, AfAW, has called on traditional rulers in Imo State and across the South East to protect victims of witchcraft accusations and restore the rights of those ostracized from their communities.
The group made the call on Saturday during an advocacy visit to the palace of Eze Patrick Uwalaka, traditional ruler of Umulogho Autonomous Community in Obowo Local Government Area.
Leading the delegation, AfAW Executive Director, Dr. Leo Igwe, said the visit was part of activities to mark the 2026 World Day Against Witch Hunts. The day, he said, is set aside to highlight human rights abuses linked to erroneous beliefs in witchcraft and ritualistic practices.
Igwe specifically appealed for the reinstatement of 92-year-old Okenze Mark Isikaku, an indigene of Umulogho who was recently banished from the community over witchcraft allegations.
“August provides an opportunity to highlight such abuses, raise public awareness and promote measures for their prevention and eradication, as well as to provide support for victims,” he said.
He said the 2026 campaign theme, _“Chiefs and Ending Witch Hunts in Communities,”_ was chosen to emphasize the role of traditional rulers in stopping the persecution of innocent persons.
“Chiefs preside over witch trials and banishment of alleged witches. Chiefs sanction and condone jungle justice and vigilantism for accused persons. They uphold witch hunts as a form of community service, as part of tradition and culture, rather than a heinous crime or a relic of humanity’s primitive and superstitious past,” Igwe said.
He urged traditional rulers and community leaders across Nigeria and Africa to become agents of positive change by challenging harmful superstitions and ensuring witch persecution is eradicated.
Responding, Eze Uwalaka, who was joined by Palace Secretary *Ichie Nichols Iroadumba* and other palace officials, commended AfAW for the visit.
He described the campaign against witchcraft beliefs and ritualism as commendable, noting the damage such beliefs cause to individuals, families and communities.
The monarch assured the delegation that the matter would be addressed. He also urged residents to remain peaceful, law-abiding and to desist from actions that violate the rights of others.
