A disturbing video circulating online has triggered outrage across Nigeria and beyond, showing dozens of street and vulnerable children in Benin, Edo State, being violently tortured by a group of adults. The minors—many of them visibly injured—were allegedly beaten, interrogated, and even forced to wear tires around their necks in a chilling threat to set them ablaze.
The accusations? Theft, petty crimes, and most shockingly—witchcraft.
Witnesses say the perpetrators claimed that the children possessed supernatural powers, including the ability to disappear and reappear at will, echoing dangerous superstitions that remain prevalent in parts of Nigeria. The video has ignited fresh concerns about the abuse and stigmatization of vulnerable youth, particularly those accused of witchcraft without evidence.
“This is a glaring failure of child protection systems,” said Elizabeth Wilson-Itauma, Chairperson/Co-Founder of the Child’s Rights and Rehabilitation Network (CRARN). “Subjecting children to torture and jungle justice instead of handing them over to authorities is not just illegal—it’s inhumane.”
CRARN, an organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating abandoned and stigmatized children, is calling on the Commissioner of Police in Edo State to:
- Investigate the condition of the affected children and confirm their safety
- Arrest and prosecute individuals responsible for torture and child abandonment
- Establish safe shelters and vocational training programs to reintegrate the children into society
“This is not just about punishment—it’s about protection and rehabilitation,” Wilson-Itauma added. “We urge the government and civil society groups to act swiftly, before another child becomes a casualty of ignorance and neglect.”
CRARN will issue follow-up reports as the situation unfolds.
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