The International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Bauchi Branch, and the Advocacy for Alleged Witches, AFAW, have raised concerns over the increasing cases of women being accused of witchcraft in Bauchi State.

Their outcry follows the disturbing case of witchcraft hunting in the state.

Speaking during a roundtable discussion with the theme “Witchcraft Accusations and Human Rights Abuses Against Women and Children in Bauchi” organized by AFAW in partnership with FIDA in Tafawa Balewa local government area, the Director of AFAW, Dr Leo Igwe, condemned the persistent persecution of women and children over witchcraft allegations, describing it as a “deep-rooted human rights violation” in Nigeria.

“Bauchi is one of the states where abuses linked to witchcraft beliefs and ritual attacks are often reported,” Igwe said.

“Many victims are poor, elderly persons and children who cannot defend themselves. Despite modernization, these abuses continue because victims rarely get justice.”

He commended FIDA, the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, and the police for prosecuting some perpetrators of witch-hunts but emphasized the need for stronger advocacy, community education, and accountability.

“People should not wait until they or their relatives are accused before speaking out,” Igwe urged. “Everyone is a potential victim. It’s time Africa joined the rest of the world in making witch-hunting history.”

Igwe dedicated the session to the memory of several victims of witchcraft accusations in Bauchi, including Talatu Joshua, Damina Lamba, Hafsat Bala, Sunday Sale, Ezekiel Samaila, and a seven-year-old girl recently attacked in the state.

Also speaking, the Chairperson of FIDA Bauchi Branch, Hauwa Ahmad Abubakar, linked the rise in witchcraft accusations to ignorance, poverty, and lack of awareness of legal rights.

“There is nothing like witchcraft in our laws — neither in the constitution nor in the state’s statutes,” she said. “But because people are unaware of their rights, they resort to jungle justice. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse; anyone who harms or kills another person over witchcraft claims will be prosecuted.”

Abubakar disclosed that FIDA Bauchi had handled no fewer than ten cases of witchcraft-related abuse in recent months.

She called on religious and community leaders to speak out more strongly against the practice, stressing that neither Islam nor Christianity supports witchcraft accusations.

FIDA, AFAW decry rising witchcraft accusations against women in Bauchi