A human rights advocacy group, Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW), has called for the restoration of the rights of people ostracised from their communities over allegations of witchcraft in Imo State and across the South-East.
The group made the demand during an advocacy visit to the palace of Eze Patrick Uwalaka, traditional ruler of Umulogho Autonomous Community in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State. AfAW Executive Director, Dr Leo Igwe, said the visit was part of activities marking the 2026 World Day Against Witch Hunts.
Igwe used the visit to draw attention to the case of 92-year-old Okenze Mark Isikaku, an indigene of the community who was recently ostracised following allegations of witchcraft. He appealed to the traditional ruler and community leaders to help restore Isikaku’s fundamental rights.
The advocacy group said the campaign seeks to expose human rights abuses linked to beliefs in witchcraft and ritual practices while promoting measures to prevent the persecution of people accused of supernatural wrongdoing.
AfAW’s 2026 campaign theme, “Chiefs and Ending Witch Hunts in Communities,” highlights the role traditional rulers can play in ending such practices. Igwe argued that community leaders have significant influence over how accusations are handled and should use that influence to protect vulnerable people rather than allow superstition to result in persecution or banishment.
He urged traditional rulers and other community leaders across Nigeria and Africa to challenge harmful beliefs and help eliminate witchcraft-related persecution from their communities. Igwe said accusations should not be used to justify vigilantism, jungle justice, forced exile or other violations of fundamental rights.
Responding to the delegation, Eze Uwalaka, accompanied by Palace Secretary Ichie Nichols Iroadumba and other palace officials, commended AfAW for bringing the issue to the community. He acknowledged the damaging effects that beliefs in witchcraft and ritualism can have on individuals, families and communities.
The traditional ruler assured the group that the matter would be addressed and appealed to residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding. He also urged community members to avoid actions that could violate the rights of others as discussions over the case continue.
