By: Theresa Donatus, Uyo.
Child rights organisations have welcomed the death sentence handed to Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim for the murder of his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey, describing the judgment as a landmark victory in the campaign against witchcraft-related violence and the protection of vulnerable children.
The child Rights groups under the aegis of Safe Child Africa, Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AFAW), and the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) gave the commendation yesterday, following the judgment of High Court No. 11 in Calabar, presided over by Justice Blessing Egwu, which convicted Etim and sentenced him to death by hanging for killing Deborah, a teenager with Down syndrome who was falsely branded a witch.
The organisations said the verdict sends a strong message that crimes committed under the guise of witchcraft beliefs will not go unpunished and expressed hope that it would serve as a deterrent to perpetrators of violence against children.
According to the groups, Deborah’s death exposed the devastating consequences of witchcraft branding, a practice that continues to endanger children, especially those living with disabilities, by subjecting them to rejection, abuse, torture and, in extreme cases, death.
They commended Justice Egwu for delivering what they described as a courageous judgment and also praised the Nigeria Police Force, the Attorney General of Cross River State, Etubom Ededem Ani, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Okoi Ukam, prosecutors, investigators and expert witnesses whose efforts ensured justice for the deceased.
The organisations further acknowledged the support extended to Deborah’s family by partner organisations throughout the legal proceedings.
While celebrating the court’s decision, the groups warned that convictions alone would not eliminate witchcraft-related violence unless governments and religious institutions take proactive steps to prevent such incidents.
They urged governments at all levels to strengthen the regulation of churches and other religious organisations, introduce compulsory child protection training for pastors and faith leaders, and invest in sustained public education campaigns to challenge harmful beliefs surrounding witchcraft accusations.
The organisations also advocated the expansion of successful interventions such as the Prevent Abuse of Children Today (PACT) campaign, which they said has helped communities reject witchcraft accusations through education and dialogue.
Founder of Safe Child Africa, Gary Foxcroft, described the judgment as a significant milestone but stressed that preventing similar tragedies should now be the priority.
“Justice for Deborah is an important milestone, but no child should have to die before action is taken,” Foxcroft said, adding that stronger safeguarding measures within churches and sustained public awareness campaigns could save lives.
He noted that programmes such as PACT have demonstrated that deeply rooted beliefs linking children to witchcraft can be changed through education and community engagement.
Also reacting, Founder of Advocacy for Alleged Witches, Leo Igwe, said the conviction reinforces the principle that superstition cannot be used as a defence for murder.
“This conviction makes it clear that superstition is no defence for murder. Deborah’s death is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of witchcraft accusations,” he said.
Igwe called on governments to intensify public enlightenment campaigns and ensure greater accountability for individuals who promote or profit from witchcraft branding.
Similarly, Principal Counsel and Co-Founder of the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, James Ibor, described the judgment as a warning that perpetrators of violence against children would face the full weight of the law.
“This judgment delivers justice for Deborah and sends a strong warning that perpetrators of violence against children will be held accountable,” Ibor said.
He thanked the judiciary, the Nigeria Police Force, the Attorney General of Cross River State, the prosecution team and partner organisations for their commitment to securing justice, pledging that the organisations would continue working with governments, communities and faith leaders until every child is protected from witchcraft accusations and related violence.
For more than two decades, Safe Child Africa, Advocacy for Alleged Witches and the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative have partnered with governments, communities and religious leaders to combat child abuse linked to witchcraft allegations and promote the rights, dignity and protection of vulnerable children.
