Issue and Opponent: Local pastors have accused children of being witches since the late 1990s, believing that they are possessed by Satan and wreak havoc on their families and communities. Once a child has been accused, the community stigmatizes the alleged witch, attacking the child to kill the witch inside. If the pastor still believes the children to be possessed after beating them, attacking them with machetes, pouring acid over them, violently shaking them, or pouring potions into their eyes, parents must cast them into the streets or the community must kill them.
Dilemma Action: Two organizations, Stepping Stones Nigeria and Child’s Rights and Rehabilitation Network (CRARN), partnered together in 2005 to save children accused of witchcraft. The leaders of these two organizations led a nonviolent march in August 2008 with the children of Eket to the local government house to convince the governor to pass the Child Rights Act. They also started a petition through an online website that had accumulated over 1,000 signatures worldwide. Children in the march held signs that said “We are not witches or wizards” and “Arrest the false prophets.” They also wore hats that said, “Give us our rights.” When they arrived at the government house, they were denied entry. However, the protestors sang songs about fighting for their rights and held up signs at the gates for four hours.
Outcomes: The governor decided to speak with them, and he promised to meet their demands, passing the act in December 2008. The Akwa Ibom State did not fully enforce the law, and children being accused of witchcraft remains an issue today. Further protests were arranged using similar strategies.