From 2003 to 2025, Mr. Sam Ikpe Itauma has rescued, rehabilitated, and empowered thousands of children stigmatized as witches in Nigeria. Through CRARN (Child’s Right and Rehabilitation Network), many of these children have not only survived but thrived—over 180 have graduated from universities and colleges, and more than 200 are currently pursuing higher education. His support includes educational scholarships, vocational training, and life skills development, equipping survivors with tools for independence and dignity.
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Under his leadership, the CRARN Children Centre was constructed with support from global partners including UNICEF, Zenith Bank, the American Embassy, the Catholic Church, and Latter-Day Saint Charities. This center has become a sanctuary for children and elderly individuals cast out by society due to harmful superstitions.
Advocacy and Awareness
Mr. Itauma has been a leading voice against witch hunts and ritual killings, tirelessly lobbying for the protection of children and women’s rights in Nigeria. His enlightenment campaigns have significantly reduced fear-driven violence and shifted public perception. Children once seen as cursed or possessed—ostracized, beaten, and murdered—can now walk the streets with minimal fear of attack. Many are being directed to shelters, orphanages, and safe spaces, thanks to his advocacy.
At the heart of his mission is the rescue and rehabilitation of children branded as witches—often by religious leaders or family members. These children endure horrific abuse, including acid burns, starvation, and public lynching. CRARN provides them with shelter, education, medical care, and psychosocial support, restoring their dignity and reintegrating them into society.
Documentation and Systemic Change
Beyond direct care, Mr. Itauma has meticulously documented atrocities, including the murder of over 4,000 individuals and the abandonment of tens of thousands of children across Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and other Nigerian states. His evidence-based advocacy has led to the arrest of more than 15 religious figures and contributed to the enactment of Nigeria’s Child Rights Act.
He has collaborated with international organizations such as UNICEF, NAPTIP, and the International Institute Des Droits De L'homme to amplify these issues and push for systemic reform.
Empowering Women and Youth
Mr. Itauma has also championed the rights of elderly women accused of witchcraft—many of whom face torture, exile, and death. Through CRARN’s outreach programs, over 5,000 women and youth have received vocational training, legal support, and reintegration services. His work has helped dismantle stigma and foster inclusion, especially in rural communities. In total, more than 13,000 individuals have benefitted from his humanitarian and human rights efforts.
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Global Reach and Personal Sacrifice
Mr. Itauma’s advocacy has reached global platforms. He has mobilized international media, engaged foreign governments, and partnered with human rights organizations to spotlight Nigeria’s witchcraft-related abuses. His strategic storytelling has transformed local tragedies into global calls for justice, influencing policy and humanitarian funding.
Despite these achievements, his work has come at great personal risk. He has survived multiple assassination attempts, including a 2009 armed raid on CRARN’s Children Centre. Forced into hiding, he lived in the bush while continuing his advocacy. His resilience in the face of threats, isolation, and government neglect underscores his unwavering commitment to human rights.
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Continuing the Mission
Today, Mr. Itauma continues to care for over 300 children at CRARN in Akwa Ibom State, and supports more than 400 children living in the Lemna dumpsite and Bogobiri in Calabar, Cross River State—abandoned after enduring torture and stigmatization. His work remains a beacon of hope and a model of courage, compassion, and systemic impact. Through tireless action, he has not only saved lives but reshaped the narrative around child protection and human dignity in Nigeria.
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