This archive report was first published on 2 December 2019.
Published on December 2, 2019, a two-day conference on witchcraft is underway at the University of Nigeria-Nsukka (UNN), sparking controversy and protests from Christian communities.
The conference, initially titled the 'International Conference on Witchcraft', was later renamed the 'International and Interdisciplinary Conference: Dimensions of Human Behaviour' due to opposition from Christians.
According to Prof Egodi Uchendu, the host and a history scholar, the conference aims to help the Nigerian and African publics understand the phenomenon of witchcraft, its principles, and its impact on human life, society, and progress.
Witchcraft is a popular concept on the continent, with many adherents testifying to its practicality. However, in many countries, especially in sub-Sahara, older women accused of witchcraft are left to the mercy of angry mobs who usually face very little consequences.
Prof. Uchendu remarked that Nigerians need to critically evaluate their belief in witchcraft and gauge its impact on everyday lives.
“Apart from rumours about witchcraft, can we intelligently discuss the phenomenon of witchcraft? Can we delineate its evolving dynamics, especially in regard to human and societal development? What does belief in witchcraft symbolize for civilians, the military, politicians, scholars and others?”
