The Guardian (Nigeria)

Killing of alleged witches in Borno is outrageous

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IR: The Advocacy for Alleged Witches is shocked by the killing of over 20 women for witchcraft by the Islamic jihadist group, Boko Haram, in Borno, northern Nigeria. According to media reports, Boko Haram militants accused these women following the death of the children of their commander, Ali Ngulde. Accusation­s happen when people attribute misfortune­s to occult or supernatur­al causes or when people are not satisfied with ordinary, natural, or commonsens­ical explanatio­ns of ailments and deaths. The report says that Boko Haram militants abducted about 40 women. They have murdered over 20 for witchcraft.

Boko Haram militants have been waging a vicious campaign to establish an Islamic state. It is widely known that the group targets, attacks, and kills anyone considered an enemy or an opponent to its cause. This case of witch purge brings another worrisome dimension to savage attacks and atrocities of this bloodthirs­ty group. But this instance of witch bloodletti­ng should not come as a surprise.

Given the ongoing conflicts and insecurity in the region, needless and avoidable deaths of men, women and children happen, and are expected. People are likely to experience uncanny misfortune­s. The Boko Haram campaign has led to a humanitari­an crisis in Borno. There is a virtual collapse of the health infrastruc­ture, especially in areas where these militants operate and occupy. People who are sick do not get the required medical assistance that they need.

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