WITCHCRAFT: AKWA IBOM GOVT. TO CLOSE CHURCHES, PROSECUTE FAKE PASTORS

Akwa Ibom Government would soon close down mushroom churches and prosecute fake pastors who are in the habit of stigmatizing children as witches and wizards.

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Governor Godswill O. Akpabio announced this today at the maiden Annual Teachers’ Award for Excellence in Akwa Ibom State public schools sponsored by Inoyo Toro Foundation held at the Le Meridien Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo.

Chief Akpabio expressed shock at the reckless abandonment of children labeled witches and wizards by their parents and guardians, saying this portends a dangerous signal to any growing society.

He attributed this ugly trend to activities of self-styled prophets who form the habit of deceiving and extorting money from innocent people on the pretext of exorcising demons from the suspected children thrown out into streets by their parents and guardians.

The State Chief Executive, however, warned the people against patronising churches on serious health matter needing medical attention, noting that some could result in avoidable deaths.

Meanwhile, an investigation committee has been put in place to look into issues surrounding stigmatization of children as witches and wizards by some people for prosecution within the ambit of the law.

The State Commissioner for Information and Social Re-orientation, Mr. Aniekan Umanah said the Child’s Rights Act is undergoing legal niceties preparatory for the Governor’s assent.

Mr. Umanah advised public- spirited individuals and organisations to report perpetrators of this unfortunate trend to report to such incident to security agencies and government for arrest and prosecution.