By Monday Ogar and Sylvia Akpan
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The Cross River Traditional Rulers Council have thrown their weight behind the fight against ritual killings and witchcraft branding, killing, and abandonment.
The traditional rulers in a statement issued recently under the aegis of the Cross River Initiative for Peace, Conflict Resolution and Empowerment, an advocacy wing of the Cross River State Council of Traditional Rulers said they are ready and available to partner with stakeholders to end the menace.
The statement signed by Etim Okon Edet, Chairman of the group reads:
“Sequel to our interactions with Prevent Abuse of Children Today (PACT) on the barbaric and backward belief in witchcraft which accounts for increasing numbers of ritual killings, child witch dubbing, and killing/abandonment, we undertake to partner with governments and civil society organizations to fine-tune strategies towards preventing and protecting all the vulnerable population.
“We like to use this opportunity to also commend the United Nations, Safe Child Africa, and Basic Rights Counsel Initiative for consistently promoting programs towards keeping children safe.
“Also, we pray the media to be more sensitive in their reportage not to promote the evil activities of religious merchants.
“We look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with your organization as we join hands to say no to witchcraft accusations of children.”