Basic Rights Counsel Initiative

19/08/2026

TRAGIC DEATH FOLLOWING WITCHCRAFT ACCUSATION IN AKAMKPA, CROSS RIVER STATE

On Monday, 17 August 2026, we received a voice note in one of our pastors’ WhatsApp groups reporting a disturbing case of witchcraft accusation in Akamkpa, Cross River State.

According to the information received, a son allegedly set his elderly mother ablaze, blaming her for the death of his child.

Upon receiving the report, Basic Rights Counsel Initiative immediately contacted a partner organisation and followed up on the case. On Tuesday, we visited the victim at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where she had been rushed for medical treatment.

Sadly, today, we received the heartbreaking news that the woman has passed away.

The alleged perpetrator is reportedly still at large.

This tragic incident is yet another painful reminder of the devastating consequences of witchcraft accusations, particularly against older women and other vulnerable persons.

BRCI will continue to push for justice for the deceased and her family. We call on the relevant authorities to ensure that the alleged perpetrator is brought to justice and that cases of this nature are thoroughly investigated.

JUSTICE MUST PREVAIL!

10/08/2026

Today, we say: Enough!

No child should be rejected because of an accusation. No woman or older person should be subjected to violence because of a label. And no community should allow fear and superstition to become excuses for harming another human being. Ending witch hunts begins with questioning harmful beliefs, refusing to participate in stigma, protecting those at risk, and holding perpetrators accountable.

As an organization who fights to see this practice end, we believe that protection is a shared responsibility. So today and every day, let us choose evidence over accusation, compassion over condemnation, and protection over persecution.

Witch hunts have no place in a rights-respecting society.

Safe Child Africa
Witchcraft & Human Rights Information Network (WHRIN)
Advocacy For Alleged Witches-AFAW

06/08/2026

Every person deserves to live free from fear, stigma, and violence.

Witchcraft accusations and branding continue to put children, women, older persons, and other vulnerable people at risk of abuse, abandonment, and even death. These harmful practices are not culture, they are violations of human rights.

As we look forward to World Day against Witch Hunts coming up on August 10, 2026, we reaffirm our drive to protecting the rights and dignity of every individual. Let us speak out, challenge harmful beliefs, and stand with survivors.

We can end this fight against witch hunts and build safer communities for everyone if we work together.
Safe Child Africa

01/08/2026

26/07/2026

Happy Birthday to Dr Leo Igwe our board member and Africa’s fearless and most consistent campaigner against witch-hunts.

Your unwavering commitment and consistency in defending the vulnerable and challenging harmful beliefs in Africa are truly remarkable and worthy of study. Thank you for the countless lives you have helped save across Africa through your courage, compassion, and relentless advocacy.

Your sacrifices and dedication will never be forgotten. Wishing you many more years of strength, good health, and greater impact

22/07/2026

Yesterday, Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu permanently remanded John Sunday Eyo (pictured) in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service after convicting him for the r**e of a 16-year old child.

We commend the Cross River State Police Command, the Honourable Attorney General of Cross River State, Etubom Ededem Ani, and the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Okoi Ukam, for their commitment to securing justice.

Special appreciation goes to Mrs. Linda Asuquo for her unwavering dedication throughout the prosecution of the case. We also thank the BRCI team and our civil society partners for their tireless efforts in ensuring the protection and safety of children.

Cross River State has zero tolerance for the abuse of children. Justice for survivors is a collective responsibility, and together we will continue to stand against all forms of violence against children.
Safe Child Africa
Instablog9ja
Crossriverwatch
Lindaikejiblog

20/07/2026

Update on this case:

Today, High Court No. 11, Calabar, presided over by Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu, convicted Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim for the murder of his 16year old daughter, Deborah Bassey, a child with Down syndrome who was falsely accused of being a witch.

The Court found the defendant guilty of murder and sentenced him to death by hanging.

Deborah’s tragic death exposed the devastating consequences of witchcraft branding, a harmful practice that continues to endanger the lives of children, particularly children living with disabilities. Across many communities, false accusations of witchcraft have resulted in rejection, torture, abandonment, and even the killing of innocent children. Today’s judgment sends a strong message that such acts are criminal and that perpetrators will be held fully accountable under the law.

This judgment is not only justice for Deborah; it is also a significant milestone in the ongoing fight to end witchcraft branding and other harmful practices against children. It reinforces the fundamental principle that every child has the right to life, dignity, and protection.

Basic Rights Counsel Initiative expresses its sincere appreciation to the Nigeria Police Force; the Honourable Attorney General of Cross River State, Etubom Ededem Ani, for repositioning the Ministry of Justice and strengthening the prosecution of serious criminal cases; and the Judiciary for its unwavering commitment, diligence, and impartiality in ensuring that justice was served.

We also extend our profound gratitude to Mr. Okoi Ukam, the learned Director of Public Prosecutions; Rajunor Tom, Esq.; Patrick Usang, Esq.; and Dr. David Ushie of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for their professionalism, dedication, and invaluable contributions to securing justice.

Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to our partners: Women Arise, Safe Child Africa, Project Alert on Violence Against Women , Etinosa Yvonne and Basic Rights Counsel Initiative team, for standing with Deborah’s mother and siblings by providing financial assistance and psychosocial support to the survivors of this horrific crime.

Basic Rights Counsel Initiative remains steadfast in its commitment to ending witchcraft branding, protecting children from violence, and ensuring that perpetrators of child abuse are brought to justice. The campaign against witchcraft branding is gaining momentum, and we will continue to work tirelessly until every child is free from harmful accusations, abuse, and violence.

ActionAid Nigeria
The Bethany Children's Trust

15/07/2026

Meaningful conversations, practical learning, and strong partnerships took centre stage at our Foster Care Meeting held today.

The meeting brought together foster carers, prospective foster carers, government representatives, and child protection partners to exchange ideas, strengthen collaboration, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every child grows up in a safe, loving, and supportive family environment.

One of the highlights of the meeting was an interactive group session on Building Trust: Caring for Children in Foster Care. Participants worked together to examine practical ways of building healthy, trusting relationships with children in their care. Through open discussions and experience sharing, foster carers reflected on everyday challenges, exchanged effective caregiving approaches, and learned from one another's experiences. The session provided practical knowledge that participants can immediately apply in supporting the emotional wellbeing and development of children in foster care.

The meeting also spotlighted CARITAS Foundation and the Coalition of Youth Serving NGOs (CYSNGOs), who shared the work of their organizations and highlighted opportunities for collaboration in advancing child protection and family strengthening initiatives.

To reinforce the legal and policy framework guiding alternative care, Ethel Akamune, Esq., a legal officer facilitated a session on the Foster Care Law and the Regulations and Guidelines on Alternative Care, providing participants with valuable knowledge into the rights, responsibilities, and standards that underpin quality foster care.

We recognize that effective foster care goes beyond providing shelter, it requires informed caregivers, supportive communities, and strong partnerships. Through continuous learning and collaboration, we remain committed to strengthening alternative care systems and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, stable, and nurturing family setting.

Indeed foster care works!

14/07/2026

https://crossriverwatch.com/2026/07/ifas-condemns-mob-justice-assault-of-two-women-in-calabar-demand-lawmaker-others-probe/

By Christopher Iyang The Inclusive Forum for Accountable Society (IFAS) has condemned the assault of two young women in Calabar, describing the incident as an act of mob justice and calling for an immediate investigation into everyone involved, including a member of the Cross River State House of As...