Dispatches

Saving Africa's Witch Children

Watch this episode now on 4oD Children in Africa who have been branded witches

In some of the poorest parts of Nigeria, where evangelical religious fervour is combined with a belief in sorcery and black magic, many thousands of children are being blamed for catastrophes, death and famine: and branded witches. Denounced as Satan made flesh by powerful pastors and prophetesses, these children are abandoned, tortured, starved and murdered: all in the name of Jesus Christ.

This Dispatches special follows the work of one Englishman, Gary Foxcroft, who has devoted his life to helping these desperate and vulnerable children. Gary's charity, Stepping Stones Nigeria, raises funds to help Sam Itauma who, five years ago, rescued four children accused of witchcraft. He now struggles to care for over 150 in a makeshift shelter and school called CRARN (Child Rights and Rehabilitation Network).

Clips from Saving Africa's Witch Children

On TV

First Shown

Date Time Channel
Wednesday 12 November 2008 9PM Channel 4

Last Shown

Date Time Channel
Tuesday 18 November 2008 3.05AM Channel 4

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  1. This is terrible but I was aware of it. Just come back from Ghana on a charity trip. Disabled children are considered a punishment by God or the curse of a witch and locked in cages. Older people are also subject to similar abuse - burnt alive, stoned, tortured, bannished to live at a witches camp for more abuse. More attention needs to be given to the plight of all of these vulerable people. Governments and organisations worldwide need to tackle the underlying issues of complete poverty. Just my opinion.
    Posted by on 19/11/2009 12:47:17
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  2. can anybody tell me where I can buy the documentary Saving Africa's Witch Children, made by joost van der Valk?
    Posted by Herbert Bitter on 18/11/2009 18:19:26
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  3. The charity is Stepping Stones Nigeria and here's a link to it. http://www.steppingstonesnigeria.org/
    Posted by MM on 17/11/2009 23:19:47
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  4. Why don't you put a link on this page so we can donate to the charity?
    Posted by JMCL on 16/11/2009 14:53:07
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  5. Is there any way that I can see this entire program? I am living in the United States and am appalled by what is happening and would love to present this news to some of the churches around my area to see what we can do... any suggestions that would help me view this story are welcome. Thank you
    Posted by citylightschick on 27/10/2009 22:37:26
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  6. Dear Sir, I just read in my Sunday news about the crimes being committed on children in Eket, Nigeria. In short lead me to your article about 'Saving Africa's Witch Children' I tried to download your news clip but wasn't able to do so. I am active advocate for children in Mexcio and for children around the world. In short, could you send me info. on your article, please. thank you, cathy
    Posted by Cathy on 19/10/2009 17:23:30
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  7. Oh My God! I have lived in Nigeria all my life and still live there and I have NEVER EVER seen or heard anything like this! It is so unbelievably horrible, and we should do everything to support the charity fighting this! However, at RATIONAL PERSON, your argument is very illogical as you GENERALISE, jumping from one incident, to all religions and denominations, which frankly, is very irrational and stupid. This is honestly very terrible, nevertheless, but before we judge, let us not forget that all parts of the world have their own share of barbaric activities.
    Posted by robiny1 on 26/09/2009 02:26:13
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  8. The organisation that is lead by Gary Foxcroft is Stepping Stones Nigeria. The web site is http://www.steppingstonesnigeria.org and if you're in Australia, the supporters groups have the web site http://www.steppingstonesnigeria.org.au It's a fantastic grass roots organisation making a big difference to the 'witch children' so please donate or help out.
    Posted by Nick on 09/09/2009 02:41:25
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  9. I echo all that has beensaid so far. I also saw the programme oc ch 4 and was beyond shocked, I agree that if we really wish to help and try and make a small difference, please, lets all try and support the charity: stepping stones that i think gary foxcroft help set up. i don't have the address, but try and google it.Please!
    Posted by charlene on 19/08/2009 18:19:19
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  10. I watched this programme when it was first aired and i cried all the way through it. My father is Nigerian and i know that Nigeria is a very religious country but also a country that has been ruined by oil and poverty. When people are living in those sorts of conditions they will look for anything/anyone to blame. They need help differinciating between fact and lies. The woman who did that film on behalf of the church should be put into prison. Nigeria is a dangerous country and although i would like to go im not actually allowed until i am 18. And i wouldnt go without my father. The condition of these children has really shaken me. And i also reaaaaally want to know what happened to that little girl! Even if the tv was on mute, the look in her eye of pure fright was so horrible. I agree with EVELINE GOY i want to send something over to the orphanage!
    Posted by Samantha on 12/08/2009 20:11:50
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  11. Children are God's heritage and as such they should not be treated badly. Its the duty of the parents to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Pray for them always because they are ignorance of the devices of the devil that is why Satan have seen that as an opportunity to kill, steal and destroy.
    Posted by Adagom Elijah on 04/08/2009 09:31:58
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  12. I have just seen this program in the Danish Tv and was terrified by what I saw and heard. But the worst was that it was done in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Being a missionary for 13 years in the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria I know for sure that it does not take place in all kind of christian congregations.
    Posted by kaj Moslev on 06/07/2009 22:30:58
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  13. So upsetting, i feel sick just thinking about the torture and abuse these children have been subjected to. I have never seen anything like this before so it has really stuck with me.
    Posted by Hayley on 24/06/2009 12:55:35
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  14. I am completely blown away with the story i saw on 4 corners and was so deeply moved. I can not believe these people truley belive these children are "WITCH" children, what kind of rubbish is that. this is disgusting. It really makes me want to do something and try to help these poor kids. My heart completely goes out to these children and the people helping them, god bless you.
    Posted by caitlin on 23/06/2009 07:05:40
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  15. It is tragic to see children so terribly victimised and especially in the name of Jesus Christ, one who loved all humankind. Whilst anger is a reasonable and just emotion in this instance, it does little to alleviate the problem. With its mix of culture, religion and poverty, the situation of Nigerian children victimised as witches will require more than condemnation to improve the situation. The children and their communities need to be helped out of this quagmire. If we truly love children, I think that one practical move would be to provide support and practical resources to the like of Gary Foxcroft. We may be powerless to intervene but Mr Foxcroft is on the ground and is providing food and shelter to the victims. Money is always required to fix things. More resources will help him to achieve more. I thought that the introduction of legislation by the Nigerian Government was an important step in the right direction and I commend them for their efforts to improve these poor children's lives. PS Can someone give us the address of Mr Foxcroft, so that we may send funds?
    Posted by Eveline Goy on 23/06/2009 06:12:41
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  16. It is completely beyond me how this could have happened, and it saddens and sickens me so much that people would do this to their own children and brothers and sister. How horrific.
    Posted by suz on 22/06/2009 13:34:41
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  17. More proof that ALL religion (i.e. superstition) is irrational and inane.
    Posted by Rational person on 24/05/2009 01:38:36
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  18. This is sick and hateful acts that are being disguised as works of God. God has mercy on his children and innocent children have nothing to do with the bad things that have been occurring with the economy or the welfare of there families. Last night I watched a document about the torture of these children and I hope that someone makes a change in there lives. I will do ANYTHING I can to help, but I’m only 17 so as soon as I’m graduated I want to go over there and help stop this cruelty.
    Posted by Hannah.Helena on 22/05/2009 14:41:41
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  19. Please can you tell me what happened to the girl in the clip shown at the BAFTA's, it was very hard to watch but a brilliant thing to bring to light and make others aware of. I can't stop thinking about the girl in the clip who thought she was going to be killed with a machete. Please let me know what happened to her? Thanks.
    Posted by Pippa on 04/05/2009 20:58:05
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  20. i can't believe anybody could be so cruel to these innocent beautiful children, i didn't see the documentary on channel 4 but when i saw them on the baftas i couldn't believe what i saw, this man Ben is a saint. i'm going to run the london marathon hopefully i'll be able to get 10 sponsors at £100 per mile. I have 2 already, all i need is for somebody from channel 4 or ben himself to contact me to accept me & to make it official, then we can hopefully make a nice school/home for these children. if all it takes is for me to run around london then I WILL DO IT.
    Posted by Aisha Toppar on 01/05/2009 18:35:39
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  21. I echo ben's comments. I too saw that clip and it has haunted me ever since. I hope that the documentary will be rerun.
    Posted by alison n on 28/04/2009 17:39:02
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  22. i saw the cilp at the end of the baftas with the little girl looking so scared thinking she was to be killed. can any one tell me what happened to her???? it was so disturbing. thanks ben
    Posted by ben on 27/04/2009 21:06:39
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