Personnel of the Nigeria Police have invaded the seminar venue of the “witch persecution” which was scheduled for Saturday in Makurdi, Benue State with all attendees chased out.
The ordeal in hands of the Police operatives was confirmed by the
Executive Director of Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfWA), Dr Leo Igwe, in a media statement on Saturday.
Igwe expressed disappointment of the operatives and said it was unacceptable, revealing that Benue State Commissioner of Police was invited to witness the programme.
According to him, individuals and notable organizations like human rights organisations and civil society organisations including from the National Human Rights Commission were invited for the semi at.
He said the invitees who honoured the seminar were all seated before the Police came and chase everyone out of the venue.
Titled: “Police stop seminar on witch persecution in Makurdi,” the statement partly read:
“The police have invaded the venue of the seminar on “witch persecution” to be held today in Makurdi, Benue State. At least 15 police officers who arrived in five vehicles are at the venue, Green Belt Hotel in Makurdi.
“The DPO of the area, Daniel Ezeala, said they had been instructed to stop the meeting and urged every attendee to vacate the venue. Another officer said that they got some intelligence that witches were meeting at the venue.
“AfAW invited the CP to the event.
Attendees including delegates from the NHRC and FIDA have been told to leave the premises of the event. Discussion is ongoing to resolve the matter.
“AfAW is embarrassed by this development. It is unfortunate that a meeting convened to address human rights abuses linked to witchcraft beliefs is disrupted by law enforcers in Nigeria.”
