Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Nigerian Aid Groups Help Children Accused of Witchcraft Rebuild Lives
Imagine some grown-ups in Nigeria believe that bad things happening, like sickness or problems, are caused by magic from kids.
So, they might hurt or kick these children out of their homes.
But there are kind people who have special places, like shelters, where these children can go.
These helpers give them food, a safe place to sleep, and most importantly, they help them go to school.
Learning to read and write helps these children show everyone that they are not magic witches and can have a good future.
They can become doctors or lawyers and help others.
It's like giving them a second chance to be happy and safe.
Nigerian aid groups are helping children accused of witchcraft to escape abuse and rebuild their lives.
These children often face severe beatings, abandonment, and deprivation of food after accusations.
Organizations like CRARN provide shelter, food, and education, with CRARN having helped over 200 children pursue higher education.
Despite government laws, witchcraft-related child abuse remains prevalent, particularly in southern coastal states.
The phenomenon is fueled by traditional beliefs attributing misfortune to supernatural causes and the influence of certain religious figures.
- Who
- Nigerian children accused of witchcraft and the aid groups helping them, such as CRARN, Street Mentors Network, and Way to the Nations.
- What
- Children accused of witchcraft are being helped by aid groups to escape abuse, receive shelter, education, and rebuild their lives.
- When
- Accusations can happen at any age; the report highlights current efforts and past experiences of victims.
- Where
- Primarily in the southern Nigerian states of Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
- Why
- Children are accused of witchcraft due to widespread traditional beliefs and the influence of some evangelical pastors and witch doctors, leading to severe abuse and abandonment.
Supporters of Traditional Beliefs & Evangelical Pastors
Aid Groups and Activists
Child Accusations of Witchcraft
Supporters of Traditional Beliefs & Evangelical Pastors
These beliefs attribute adversity to supernatural causes, leading some evangelical pastors and witch doctors to perform exorcisms for fees, contributing to the accusations against children.
Aid Groups and Activists
Children accused of witchcraft are often beaten, abandoned, and left to roam the streets, and these accusations have no basis in reality.
Addressing the Problem
Supporters of Traditional Beliefs & Evangelical Pastors
Some religious figures are unwilling to comment on the issue, and progress in advocacy is described as frustratingly slow, with accusations continuing.
Aid Groups and Activists
Education is seen as the primary means to help children accused of witchcraft build a better future, with aid groups providing food, shelter, and schooling to enable them to think, read, and write.
- Number of Children Accused
- Over 30,000 in the last 20 years
- Geographic Prevalence
- Most common in southern coastal states of Akwa Ibom and Cross River
- Key Aid Organization
- CRARN (Child Rights and Rehabilitation Network)
- CRARN's Support
- Provided food, shelter, and education to over 200 young people since 2003
- Age of Victims Mentioned
- Faith accused at 13, another child accused at 9