Akpabio donates N10 million to centre for stigmatized kids
From Anietie Akpan, Calabar
THE Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, has given the sum of N10 million to the Child Rights and Rehabilitation Network (CRARN) in the state, where the stigmatized so-called "child witches" in the state are being accommodated.
He also strongly condemned the recent attack on the centre.
On Friday, July 3, a group of men appeared at the CRARN centre, claiming to be donors who wanted to donate goods and toys to the children.
Shortly after, the men identified themselves as police officers, and unlawfully arrested two CRARN workers and beat up many of the children while searching for CRARN's Founder and President, Sam Itauma.
Two young girls aged 11 and 12, were beaten to unconsciousness and are at present, receiving treatment in a local hospital.
Five other children suffered injuries at the hands of these men, who then left a round of bullets in Sam Itauma's bedroom, presumably to act as a warning that his life was in danger.
Shocked by the incident, Governor Akpabio, who had since signed the Child Rights, visited the CRARN centre where he assured the workers and children that their security and the Akwa Ibom State government guaranteed safety.
While making the donation, the governor condemned any act of violence against children, saying he hoped the N10 million would take care of their welfare.
Programme Director of the UK-based non-governmental organization, Stepping Stones Nigeria and partner of CRARN, Mr. Gary Foxcroft, thanked the governor for the donation and support he has given them.
He told the governor that, "the fight against the abuse of children due to the belief in witchcraft is far from over but I believe today marks another very positive step forward in our efforts to protect and save the lives of the children that we work with. "
The police had invaded the centre to arrest Itauma to face charges filed against him and CRARN at the Special Fraud Unit at the Ikoyi Lagos for alleged "fraudulent activities and threat to life".
However, Foxcroft said the matter was clearly fabricated in order to threaten and intimidate "Stepping Stones Nigeria and CRARN.
