In the midst of a rising tide of witchcraft accusations in certain communities within Cross River State, a 13-year-old girl named Gift Micheal Ikoi has become the latest victim of such allegations in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area.
Gift, orphaned and bereft of parental care, found herself under the guardianship of Mrs. Okoi Itam Victor and Mr. Eyong Brutus, her relatives. However, tragedy struck when she was accused of witchcraft, purportedly responsible for a string of misfortunes plaguing the family, including the death of one of their sons.
Facing abuse and maltreatment, Gift was eventually cast out of her relatives’ home, left to wander the streets of Ugep. It was here that the Bonicare Foundation, a non-profit organization, discovered her plight.
Ideba Edu Ele, the founder of Bonicare Foundation, recounts, “She was wrongly accused of being a witch and subsequently thrown out of her relatives’ house.”
Despite attempts at reconciliation, Gift’s carers remained steadfast in their belief of her alleged supernatural powers, refusing to take her back unless she could reverse their misfortunes.
Fortunately, the intervention of Mr. and Mrs. Eyong Ubi offered Gift a glimmer of hope. Moved by empathy and a sense of duty, they took Gift into their home, offering her refuge and the chance of a better life.
Mr. Eyong Ubi Onen expressed, “I take her as my daughter… because someone who helped me in Enugu State, I didn’t know him and we are not from the same place.”
Mrs. Eno Eyong, his wife, echoed his sentiments, emphasizing Gift’s innocence and their commitment to supporting her aspirations.
Despite the trauma inflicted upon her, Gift remains resilient, dreaming of a future as a nurse, eager to contribute positively to society.
Meanwhile, the Bonicare Foundation has embarked on efforts to enroll Gift in secondary school, appealing to the public, government, and philanthropic individuals for assistance in providing her with the necessary educational resources and financial support.
As Gift takes tentative steps towards a brighter future, the foundation urges collective action in supporting both her educational journey and the compassionate family that has welcomed her into their home. In a world often plagued by prejudice and superstition, Gift’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of compassion.
A 13-year-old orphan, Gift Micheal Ikoi, was accused of witchcraft by her relatives in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State. The accusations led to her abuse and eventual expulsion from the home of her guardians, Mrs. Okoi Itam Victor and Mr. Eyong Brutus, who blamed her for their family's misfortunes. Left to fend for herself on the streets, she was discovered by the Bonicare Foundation, a non-profit organization.
Despite attempts to reconcile, her guardians refused to take her back unless she could reverse their misfortunes. Fortunately, Gift was taken in by Mr. and Mrs. Eyong Ubi, who offered her a safe home and support for her future aspirations. Gift dreams of becoming a nurse, despite her traumatic experiences.
The Bonicare Foundation is working to enroll Gift in secondary school and is seeking public, governmental, and philanthropic support for her educational needs. Gift’s situation highlights the impact of superstition and abuse but also the resilience of the human spirit and the power of compassion.
