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Abuse and Persecution
of Akwa Ibom Children
on Account of Witchcraft - Petition

Petition Start Date: November 21, 2008
Petition End Date: December 10, 2008
Actual Number of Signatories: 567 and counting...
Goal: 2000

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Gov. Godswill Akpabio
Government House
Uyo
Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria,

Sir,
Save our children from further witch-hunt, abandonment, abuse, maiming, false imprisonment and killing in the name of religion.

We are concerned citizens of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and the world writing on issues pertaining to humanity. We have watched in horror and read of the estimated 15, 000 defenseless children in Akwa Ibom State, falsely accused of witchcraft being abandoned, abused, persecuted, killed and imprisoned by some churches and "people of God" against their will to force confession from them.

We have learned of the disturbing trend in Akwa Ibom State where families and communities ostracize their young children, in some cases, they are abandoned to roam the streets. Some have been left at the mercy of CRARN as soon as they are falsely identified as witches and wizards by some evangelical pastors. These children are scapegoats for all misfortunes that befall their parents from poverty, illness, accident, death and where farms fail to yield crops. All are stigmatized, some face humiliation, attacks with bodily harm such as burning, driving nail into the skull, broken bones, forced to sit on hot item, imprisoned by some churches to force confession. In some cases, they pay the ultimate price with their lives. If it continues at this rate, we will stand to loose a good segment of a generation of our children when good people do nothing to save them. Good people cannot continue to be silent about these atrocities.

Our attention is drawn to one bishop Sunday Ulup-Aya of a church in Ibaka, who has openly confessed to killing "up to 110 people…identified to be a witch." He concocts a high quantity of local gin (Akai-kai) with African mercury (lead poison) popularly known as "Ekim," mixing them with his blood for the young victims to drink. He confesses to making a fortune as much as N400, 000 to destroy witch in a child. He falsely claims there are estimated 2.3 million witches and wizards in Akwa Ibom, which is nearly half of the state total population of 4.8m by 2005 estimate. We cannot stand idly by for one dubious man to paint us as evil where, for the most part, the people are God fearing and law abiding citizens.

Our attention is drawn also to the teaching, book and video production titled "End of the Wicked" by Mrs. Helen Ukpabio of Liberty Foundation Church and that Apostle Dr. Cletus Bassey condemns this video and book in its totality. As the President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Akwa Ibom under which Mrs. Helen Ukpabio conducts religious business, Dr. Bassey thinks these kinds of videos should be discontinued and discouraged. The video and book production, he adds, do not present a true picture of what we represent, is not a true picture of a nation we are trying to build, is not presenting a true picture of children that we are trying to raise and a not good picture of a society we are trying to sanitize.

Sir, the primary function and responsibility of any government is to protect its citizens from any threat or harm, foreign or domestic. Prior to this expose, it was a mere rumor to those who never witnessed the danger posed to our defenseless children accused of witchcraft by these evangelists in the state. Around the world's television sets, on BBC/ UK Channel 4 TV, You Tube, Facebook and on many forums, these embarrassing images have indicted the conscience of all of us: our local churches, families, local communities and state government while the world waits with baited breath to see what we can do to save these threatened children. You receive this signed petition because as the most powerful person in the state you have the power to stop the witch-hunts, abandonment, abuse, maiming, imprisonment and killing of our children to save them from the atrocities. Failing to do so, we will continue this loss to false prophets and we cannot afford it.

In conclusion, therefore we demand:

  1. A full investigation into the activities of anyone including parents and churches accusing children of witchcraft aiming at swiftly bringing perpetrators to justice.
  2. The arrest, investigation and prosecution of bishop Sunday Ulup-Aya of an Ibaka church who has confessed to multiple murder of killing up to 110 people falsely identified witchcraft.
  3. A statewide awareness program by the Ministry of Education and Social Re-orientation to present a true image of the type of children we are raising and state we are building.
  4. Mrs. Helen Ukpabio's video and book on "End of the Wicked" must be discontinued and discouraged.
  5. Expand Child Rights Acts to prohibit these cruel practices throughout the state.
  6. Establish Children Social Services Agency to open up funding to International organizations.

Copy:

  • Bar. Victor Iyanam, Akwa Ibom State Attorney General
  • Dr. Cletus Bassey, President, Pentecostal Church of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State
  • The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mike Zuokumor
  • Christian Association of Nigeria
  • Mr. Aniekan Umanah, State Commissioner of Information
  • The Media

List of Signatories

Itoro Akpan-Iquot - United States Eno Adams - United States
Uko E Asangansi - United Kingdom Tony Akpan - Nigeria
Dan Anietie A. - Nigeria Joe Effoe - Cameroon
Tunde Aguda - Nigeria Etim Edet - Norway
Azuka Okuleye - United States Liza Tate - United States
Odudu Umoh - United Kingdom Aniefiok Lawrence Akpan - Nigeria
Sifon - Nigeria EKANEM, NSIMA BONIFACE - Nigeria
Onayimi - Nigeria Elijah - Gambia
Sifon - Nigeria Ekanem Oyekanmi - United Kingdom
Ediongsenyene G. UMOH - Nigeria Uwem - United States
Ray - Uganda Igure Peter - Nigeria
Abasiakan Asikpo - United Kingdom Unyime Asikpo Essien-Ibok - Malaysia
Anthony Inoh - Nigeria Unyime Ufot-Ekpo - United Kingdom
Marshall Anako - United States Abel Udoh - Turkey
Okon Eyo Akpaitim - United States Kemfon Ekwere - Finland
Dinah Nkantah - United Kingdom Unyime Udosen - United States
Akpan Sunday - Nigeria Adam Ekong - United Kingdom
Unyime Ufot - Nigeria Ime Sampson - Nigeria
Mfon Essiet - United States Anietie (Annyhott) Etim - Ghana
John Bassey - United States Akanimo Uwan - United States
Francis Ibiok - United States Bruno - Nigeria
Okiemute - Turkey  
Aniema Udoroh - United States Edidiong Udoro - United States
Akobundu Anyiwo - United States Adewale Afolabi - Nigeria
Chidi Opara - Nigeria Ekpoanwan Essien - Nigeria
Blessing - United States Ubong - Nigeria
Ufot Inyang - United States Ekere Udom - Nigeria
Akanimo Ukpong - United Kingdom Engineer Bolex - United Kingdom
Ubong Ndem - United Kingdom Simi - United Kingdom
Yewande Ekundayo - United Kingdom Moses Ekpenyong - Nigeria
Adelumola Oladeinde - United States Lola - Philippines
OduduAbasi N. EDET - United States Adewale Afolabi - Nigeria
Magnus O. Bassey - United States Uduak Archibong - United Kingdom
Mendie Archibong - United States Omotayo Adetoro - Nigeria
Isaac Udotong - United States Toks - United Kingdom
Zainab Balogun - United Kingdom Asuquo Essien - United States
Ruth Umoren - United Kingdom Alfred Martins - Nigeria
Eyibio Adah - United States Namdidie Ikon - United States
JOEL UDORO - United States CHRISTIANA UDORO - United States
Valerie Mordi - United Kingdom Ladi Oyebo - Denmark
Kieran Stellingburg - United States Efiong Okon Sr. - United States
Marshall Anako - United States Eze Umezuruike - United Kingdom
Mike Essien - United States Mercy John-Ekanem - United States
Eno-Abasi Urua - Nigeria Baraqat Odunuga Bakare - United Kingdom
Joyce Umoh - United States Aniema Ekwere - United States
Anthony Idem - United States Baraqat Odunuga Bakare - United Kingdom
Anietie Akpan - United States Kufre Usanga - Japan
Starla Franklin - United States REV. FR. GODWIN NSIKAN-UBOM ASUQUO - United States
Princi Inyang - United States Camillus Inyang - United States
Essien Essien - United States Kokoette Essien - United States
Emmanuel Udo - United States Prince Uwemedimoh E. Ntekpere - United States
William Ekeme Ekpa - United States Harry Edohoukwa - United States
Joseph Uwem Ekpo - United States Innocent Bassey - United States
Emem Andrew - Nigeria Ekpema - Nigeria
Itoro Samuel Enang - Congo Ndifreke Itoro Samuel Enang - Congo
Ofonime Akpan - Nigeria Charles Ajibola - Nigeria
Ola - Nigeria Iko-ojo Mercy Haruna - France
Ignatius Idio - United States Robyn Brown-Obot - United Kingdom
Eddie Ekanem - United Kingdom John Ehi - United Kingdom
Chris Inyang - United States Udofia Ubong - Nigeria
UNWANA OTU - United States IDARA OTU - United States
ANDIKAN OTU - United States DR. VICTORIA EDEM - United States
GARY COOPER - United States Ofon Mmah - United States
Demilade Lizzy - Afghanistan Aye Otu-Eyo - United Kingdom
Okechukwu Ukaga, PhD - United States Bola - United Kingdom
Justina Okon - United States Eki Onuiri - United Kingdom
Ini S. Ikpe - United States Idorenyen Akpabio - Norfolk Island
Aloy Udoh - United States Tom Mbeke-Ekanem - United States
Vivien Okonkwo - United Kingdom Emeka Okonkwo - United Kingdom
Ike Okonkwo - United Kingdom Thompson Essien - United States
Utibe-eno Udeme - United Kingdom ARIT ESSIEN - United Kingdom
Esara - United Kingdom Etido Akpan - United States
K'ufre-Mfon Ekerete - United Kingdom Ephraim - United States
Saheed - United Kingdom Ndifreke Eno Adams - Nigeria
Taiwo - United States Jumoke Akin-Taylor - United States
Lizzy Slak - Nigeria Kemi Fadojutimi - United States
Funmilayo Tofowomo Okelola - United States Anthony Ademola Okelola - United States
Chido Onumah - Canada Eyobong Usanga - United States
Meshack Owino - United States Dr. Okey Iheduru - United States
Samuel Ayodele - United States Amatoritsero Ede - Canada
Felicia Spruill - Nigeria Oyeniyi, Bukola Adeyemi - Nigeria
Vicky Awuzie - United States George Awuzie - United States
Ade Adewoyin - United States Innih Eno Adams - United States
INYENE ENO ADAMS - Nigeria Bridget Osakwe - Nigeria
Bayo Meshe - United Kingdom Olugbenga Olotu - United Kingdom
Obioma Nnaemeka - United States Idongesit Ekanem - Nigeria
Rosemary danesi - United Kingdom Ekanem - India
Tola Mosadomi - Nigeria 'Tina Oby-Onyia - United Kingdom
Pauline Tobias - United States Ike Agwuegbo - United States
Nsikak Essien - Nigeria Uwem Sam - United States
Reuben A. O. Otolorin - United States Florene A. Otolorin - United States
Etta Agbor - Nigeria Tometro Hopkins - United States
Okey Ndibe - United States Gbolahan Gbadamosi - United States
Chinedum Onyemere - United States Iniabasi Umo - Nigeria
Clifford Thomas - Nigeria Mbuotidem Thomas - Ghana
Eugenia Igene - United States Dr. Gilbert Idolo Imafidon - United States
Raphael Obotama - United States Malachi Oledibe - United States
Margaret Bakosi - United Kingdom James Ntukidem - United States
Odudu Ikpe - United States Uduak Nkann - United States
Grace Manduwem Rumould - United States Utibe Pearl - Nigeria
Elfonnie Inokon - United States Imaobong Inuen - United States
Ima Udoh - United States Idara Udoh - United States
Judy Akpan - United States Utitofon Jackson - United Kingdom
Idaresit Umoh - United States Obong Nsentip - United States
Affiong Eyo - United States Mfon Ekpenyong - United States
Eme Unanaowo - United States Nsikan Udoh - United States
K.N OFFOR - United States Iberedem Ekure - United States
Uwana Akpan - United States O.E.F. Odedele - United States
Nsidibe Etim - United States Nkemka - United States
Imeh Okon - United Kingdom Mfon Abasi - United States
Aniefiok Sylvester Jimmy - United Kingdom Inemesit Uko - United States
Opportune Zongo - United States Henry Idoreyin J - South Africa
Udeme - United Kingdom Nenna Akpaete - United States
Jeuel John - United Kingdom Tracy Ekong - United States
Nnenna Okereke - United States Edna Arinze - United States
Iquo Nduoyo - United Kingdom Anameti Usoro - United States
Itoro Ukpeh - United States Pamela Smith - United States
Idi-utibe Amin Idiok - United States Richard Obot - United States
Cornelius Hamelberg - Sweden Cynthia Udeogu - Nigeria
Esiet Akpan - United States Jane Udoewa - United States
Dara Udofia - United States Itoro Inoyo - United States
Elizabeth Ekere - United States Umoetuk Udo - United States
Hannah Umoh - United States Akaninyene Udoeyop - United States
Anie Nkana - United States Sharon - United States
Marie Akpan - United States Rita S Akpan - United States
Edna Etim - United States Theresa Ikpong - Canada
Etukudoh Umoh - Nigeria Pinusta - Malaysia
John Sarah - Nigeria Ms. Donna Smolders - Canada
Udoudo Ntafiong - United States Ikemesit Effiong - Nigeria
Anietie Okon - Nigeria Godwin Udobot - Nigeria
Anthony Etim - Nigeria Sampson Ekpenyong - Nigeria
Samson Nesiama - United States Jude - United States
WILLIAMS UFOT - Nigeria Tolu Joseph - South Africa
Ephraim Emenanjo Adinlofu - United Kingdom La Tonya Taylor - United States
Tony - United Kingdom Emeka Agabhiwe - United Kingdom
C Allanah - Nigeria Itoro Umoren - United Kingdom
Peter Idongesit - Nigeria Olu Ogunsakin - United Kingdom
Wendy Umoh - United Kingdom Bassey Okon - Bermuda
OGAZI Innocent - Nigeria Ini Umoh - United Kingdom
Blessing - United States Akinrinade Abiodun - United Kingdom
NSIKAK TOM UDO - Nigeria Ifreke - United Kingdom
Nwatu Chinyere - Nigeria B Bashir - Ireland
Akpan Akpan Udoma - United Kingdom Ciarán Catney - Ireland
Chinwe Akwuba - United Kingdom Vincent EBONG - Angola
Vincent Nche - Germany Iniobong Afia - United States
EJIOFOR ALISIGWE - United Kingdom Lola Fashola - Canada
Oluwatoyin Omonitan - United Kingdom EDIDIONG NNAH ETUKUDO - Nigeria
Dr. Udeme E. Akpan - Ireland Nathan Isioma Okonta - Canada
TAIWO OLANIYI - United Kingdom Edoka Amuta - Nigeria
Olu - United Kingdom Vincent Anebelundu - United Kingdom
Ubong Ekwere - United States Jasper Maduakolam Njoku - United States
Mfon - United States Uduakobong Okon - United States
Archibong Eyo - Finland Idong - United States
Steve Ajere - Netherlands Itoro Elijah - United States
Dr. Victor A. Ilegbodu - United States Ekomobong W. Etuk - United States
Dr. Kelechi Kalu - United States Kayode Aiyelotan - Nigeria
Paul Inyang - United States Doy Dorcas - United Kingdom
Uduak Oduok - United States Dr. Olusoji Owolabi - Hungary
Musbau Etti - United States Sifon Inyang - United States
Ubong Ekpo - United States Chris Nezianya - United Kingdom
Musbau Etti - United States Tessy Odey - Nigeria
Aleia Lopez - United States Deborah Dauda - United States
Bimpe Williams - United Kingdom Siri Lewis - United States
Odirah Emmanuel - United States Chuka Eme - United States
Emmanuel Lugard - Nigeria Ekere Ekandem - United States
Aji Robinson - United States Ednut Williams - United States
Otu J. Ntewak - Canada Lisa Ntewak - Canada
Ashten Ntewak - Canada Amanda Ntewak - Canada
Edet Umoafia - Canada Patrick Essien - United States
Janet Isong - Nigeria Nkang Nkang M. - Nigeria
Ewara M. Ewara - Canada Soter Irusota - Nigeria
Dr. Emeka I. Igwe - Germany Thompson Egbo-Egbo - Canada
Obot e. Egbo-Egbo - Canada Voke Okere - United Kingdom
Abiola Kuti - Ireland Bryan Annie - Nigeria
M. Adewole - Nigeria Pedro Gofroid - Spain
Yinka - Ireland Ubong Stephen - Nigeria
Ekpenyong Eto - Canada Femi Animashaun - United States
Martin Akinwale - United Kingdom Cristobal Garrido Quintero - Colombia
Edet Udofia - United States Cindy Amoako - United States
Okey Chigbo - Canada Joanna Adande - United Kingdom
Steve Aboaba - Canada Jane Bassey - Nigeria
Emmanuel Ekop - United States Joachim Akwa-Ama - United Kingdom
Anthony Onyechere Ndukwu - Germany Segun Adebanjo - United States
Dr Olusegun Fakoya - United Kingdom Udeme Affiong - United States
Christie Echikwa - United States Peter Edemekong - United States
Ukandu Uche - United Kingdom Ola Ayodeji - United States
Akemini Udoro - United States Eyo Ewara - Canada
Odeniyi Adaran - Canada Jamie - Canada
Peter Curtis - United States MICHAEL O. AKPAN - United States
RHODA AKPAN - United States Obehi Idemudia - United States
Moses Augustine Udosen - South Africa Obijie Oru - Nigeria
Victor Ogiemudia - Ireland Tajudeen Abdulkareem - Nigeria
WILLIE, AKANINYENE PIUS - Nigeria BABATOPE OJO - Nigeria
Beverley Forde - United Kingdom Solomon T. Ebobrah - Denmark
Eno Umoh - Nigeria Ikenna Amaeshi - United Kingdom
Dr. Attaessien A. Ubokudom - United States Odokama Odokama - United Kingdom
Mfon Udoinyang - Nigeria Emmanuel A. Smart - United States
Amah - United States Patience Akpabio - United States
Emeka Agbodike - Italy Odo Vikam - Nigeria
Ernest Owulette - United States Jade Turner - United States
L A. Banks - Uruguay Odo Vikam - Nigeria
Modupe Debbie Ariyo - United Kingdom Emmanuel Ohai - United States
David Sanchez - Spain Emy Ekanim - Nigeria
Liz Umoh - United States Dr. Olatunde Olusesi - United States
Olufemi D. Okusolubo - United States William Ekpenyong - United States
UBARIEKE JECINTA - France Emem Eyang - United States
Jasmine Turner - United States Bridget Koch - United States
Femi Ogunshakin - United Kingdom Sandra Simpson - United States
IDORENYIN FOWLER-UTIP - United Kingdom Camillus e. Udoh - United States
Andrea Cunningham - United States Ola Kassim MD - Canada
EFFIONG IMOH - United States Israel Ameh - Canada
Linda Umoh - United States Eddie Bediako - United States
Sharon Nichols - United States Janiece Davis - United States
Edet Isong - United States Renee Morgan - United States
Uduak Udeme Akpan - Ireland Idowu Awe - United Kingdom
Chinedu Kingsley - Malaysia Ofonime Inock - Nigeria
Sulaiman Adebowale - Senegal Festus Oyafunke - Nigeria
Ekama Onofiok - United States Nse Umoh - United States
Uduak Inyang - Nigeria Omojowolo Kehinde - Nigeria
Dr. (Prof.) Mac. Effiong Ammazi-Akpan - United States Zeke Etukudo - United States
Lara Watterson - United States Mr Balogun - Canada
Wisdom Eleba - Australia Florence - Canada
Anthony Ajebon - United States Emem - United States
Levy Barnes - United States Olalekan Koiki - Nigeria
Moza Cooper - United States Ayo Ajisebutu - United States
Chuks Ezedebego - Nigeria Martha Ikpe - Nigeria
D. Esekody - Nigeria Arc. KENNETH IWUALLA - United States
Oladimeji Odunlami - Nigeria Bryan O - United States
Gremlin Martinez - Spain Ekomobong Asuquo - United States
Otobong Okoko - Nigeria Oluseyi Olanrewaju - Nigeria
Christopher Bassey - Nigeria Sony Ebong - Nigeria
BUSARI ADESHINA - Nigeria Christopher Osunkoya - Nigeria
Mags - United Kingdom Nkiru Nzegwu - United States
Solomon Samuel - Nigeria Yewande Ogunde - United States
Udim John - Cyprus Rose Aforo - Ghana
Eno Akpadock - United States Uduak Udoffia - United States
Ifueko Oyegun - Nigeria Esmeralda van Klijnenbreugel - Netherlands
Richard Ehiozee - Australia Monday Inyang - Nigeria
Effiong Udoh - Nigeria Chris Udoh - Nigeria
Uduak Dickson - United States Dr. Samuel Ekpe - Canada
Victor Ekpuk - United States Mary Orok - Nigeria
Uduak Dickson - United States Dr. Samuel Ekpe - Canada
Ike Ukwuoma - Canada Dr. Lisa Henry - United States
Victor Abia - Nigeria Edet Akpan - Nigeria
Soji Akeju - Nigeria PAULINE SPENCER - United Kingdom
Annie - Nigeria Bola Odunlami - Nigeria
RITA OTU - United Kingdom Arit Akpan - United Kingdom
Eddie Eka - Nigeria Peace Douglas - United Kingdom
Clement Akang - Nigeria GRACE IMOH - United States
Nsuki - Nigeria Shireen - United Kingdom
John Ettang - United States Vivienne Daniels - Nigeria
Nsuki - Nigeria Shireen - United Kingdom
Chidi Jacob - United States Salisu Abdullah - United States
Melissa - United States Id Ekwere Ekpenyong - United States
Unyime Asikpo Essien-Ibok - Malaysia Terri Briseno - United States
Ayo Omotade - United Kingdom Mma Ibok - United States
Iniobong Giles - Nigeria G. Udosen - United States
Chinedu Obiora - Nigeria Abby F - Canada
KK OYOM - Nigeria Edidiong Akpan - United States
Ekanem Asuquo - Nigeria Idara - United States
Anthony Ebong - United Kingdom Akosua Ofori - Ghana
Ndubuisi Nwankwo - United States Nosa Akporehwe - Italy
David Carpenter - United States Elizabeth Moses - United Kingdom
Linda Wade - United States Edem Udoh-Orok - Canada
Kiera Adegbite - United Kingdom Adaugo Ezirim - United States
Benjamin Blagogee - United States Rose W. - Kenya
Peter E. Inyang - United Kingdom Umo Mba - United States
Bassey Ekanem - United States Ibanga Inyang - United States
Itallica Obot - United States Deb Stroud - United States
Emily Lois Crawford - United States Okodi - United States
Ms. Rodji Walton - United States Atim Oboho - United States
Akpan Akon - United States Barbara Ephraim - United Kingdom
Martin Wiedmer - Switzerland Okonbaba Equere - United Kingdom
Anwana Ntofon - United States Uduak Udeme Akpan - Ireland
Tommy Etim - Nigeria Akaninyene F. Asuquo - Nigeria
Folu Ogundimu - United States Jackson Samuel A - Malaysia
Ekere Ubong - Nigeria Zack - United States
EA - United States Cherrelle Douglas - United Kingdom
Michael J McCormack - United States Eka Moses - Italy
FLORENCE JOSEPH - United States Michelle peteridah - United Kingdom
MOMODOU HARDING - United States Nsikan Okon - United States
Itoro S. Johnny - United States Mary England - United States
Cole England - United States Katie West - United States
Lee West - United States Jen Smith - United States
Ellen McMillan - United States Adewale Afolabi - Nigeria

Check out the Latest Report by one of the signatories.

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