Witchcraft perceptions and branding of the aged among Efiks and Ibibios of Southern Nigeria
Keywords:
aged, branding, perception, witchcraft, social development, curse, blessingAbstract
Witchcraft is one astounding and disturbing social phenomenon in southern Nigeria, particularly among the Efiks and Ibibios of South-South Geo-political Zone of Nigeria. More excruciating is the negative perceptions most persons have about witchcraft and the consequent branding of the aged as witches and wizards. In order to achieve the purpose of this study, five research objectives were developed namely: to determine the general perceptions about the aged involvement in witchcraft among the Efiks and Ibibios; ascertain the factors influencing the branding of aged as witches and wizards among the Efiks and Ibibios; identify the challenges faced by the aged arising from their branding as witches and wizards; find out the negative effects of witchcraft branding on social development agenda; ascertain the perceived curses of aging among the Efiks and Ibibios and to discover the measures that can curb witchcraft branding of the aged among the Efiks and Ibibios. This study adopted the mixed method, utilizing both theoretical (documentary) and qualitative approaches. The key informant interview was used to elicit responses from the aged, traditional rulers, community leaders, and caregivers. One hundred and fifty-two (152) responses were analyzed using the content analysis method and key informant indicators. The findings showed that the aged are labelled as witches and wizard which thus diminish their sense of dignity, selfworth, and quality of life. Among the Efiks and Ibibios, getting old attracts fear and psychological trauma to the extent that most of the elderly or aged have wished that death come early. The aged are often accused of witchcraft, and being responsible for the misfortunes and failures of their children, family, and society. This makes them susceptible to labeling, stigmatization, and abuse. This mislabeling social negative construct is ravaging the lives of the aged and is in direct violation and contravention of the fundamental human rights laws and protocols. Consequent upon this, the study among others provides grounds for social work advocacy and interventions through influencing direct policy formulation, social protection regulations, and safety nets to mitigate this ugly phenomenon within the study area with a multiplier effect on the entire country’s social development curve.Downloads
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