A National Geographic explorer and documentary photographer, Etinosa Yyvone and Basic Right Counsel Initiative (BRCI) have called for immediate psychosocial support for survivors of witchcraft branding in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.
The groups in a multimedia art exhibition that showcased stories of survivors and victims of witchcraft branding held at the National Museum in Calabar, from November 8 to 14, called for urgent measures to curb the menace in the two pilot states.
The project titled: “It’s All In My Head”, specifically focused on examining the impact of false accusations of witchcraft on the mental health of children, women, and elderly individuals in the society.
The groups called on relevant authorities, mental health professionals, and the public to acknowledge the issue and work collaboratively to establish accessible and comprehensive support networks.
They also stressed the need to create a safe space for survivors to share their experiences, heal, and rebuild their lives.
Psycho-social support programmes should focus on providing survivor-centre care, including counseling, trauma-informed therapy, and community support networks,” the groups added.
Speaking with The Guardian, Yvonne said research had shown that Cross River topped other states in the country where witchcraft branding is common.
She said her findings gave birth to the project to create awareness through art exhibitions.
According to her, the project was part of a larger exhibition to address the often-overlooked issue of false witchcraft accusations, and its detrimental effects on the mental well-being of targeted individuals.
She further noted that survivors frequently endure severe emotional trauma, leading to anxiety, depression, and even Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Yvonne urged the Cross River State government to ensure that perpetrators of witchcraft hunts are punished according to the law.
“ We can no longer downplay the fact that lives are in danger because of these accusations. We have laws but the problem with Nigeria is that we can easily sign laws but we need to enforce these laws. We need to educate people, the staff in the institutes where these people are sheltered,” she added.
Also, co-founder of BRCI, and activist in Cross River, James Ibor said the project was a step in the right direction, noting that the effort will pave the way for justice for the deprived.