Psychiatric Perspective of Witch Hunting of Perceived Practitioners of Witchcraft in Nigeria

Background There have been recent media reports of witch hunting of witchcraft practitioners in Nigeria, with attendant sudden and untimely death of Nigerians arising from such exercises. The possibility that innocent individuals may have lost their lives in such exercises is highly likely. Aims The aims of the study were to examine the phenomenon of witch-hunting and to highlight the psychiatric aspects of this phenomenon. Method The study entailed a critical appraisal of two verifiable newspaper case reports of witch hunts between the period November 2004 and November 2007. Results The main reason for the witch-hunt exercise was that the “witches” were responsible for some individuals' illness and misfortune in life. Underdevelopment of the location of the act was also attributed to the activities of these witches by those who perpetuated the hunt. The “rational” solution was to execute such witches. Conclusion It is suggested that the mental state, particularly judgement, perception and cognition of the primary sponsors of witch-hunting and that of the native doctor (witch hunter) be examined. The role of the police and judiciary is emphasized. Nigerian Journal of Psychiatry Vol. 6 (2) 2008: pp. 76-7