The ritual killings targeting the Albinism Community in Southern Nigeria are not only heinous acts but also a violation of their fundamental rights to life and freedom as stated in Sections 33 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution.
In June 2023, a case of attempted murder was committed against a young man with Albinism in Anambra State followed by the murder of a 21 years old man with Albinism from Imo State, Nigeria.
We debunk all forms of myths about Albinism like sex act with a Person with Albinism(PWA) cures HIV AIDS patients, when Persons with Albinisms’ body parts are used for ritual, such ritualist will be very powerful, influential and wealthy in the Society. We’re like everyone one else created by GOD without mystical powers. Allow us to breath. We have loss more than 6 PWA this year to skin cancer which many can’t afford sunscreen and even when 15% in the scale of 100% have the money, we scarcely get it in the market. Lack of Affordability, Accessibility and Availability of sunscreen has put many PWA in their prime(20s/30s of age)on the life line and eventually led them to their early graves leaving lasting vacuums in the hearts of families, friends and loved ones forever, what a traumatic experience!
These acts of violence and discrimination are in direct contradiction to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 16, which promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions. Moreover, they defy the principles enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which emphasizes in Article 10 that, States Parties reaffirm that every human being has the inherent right to life and shall take all necessary measures to ensure its effective enjoyment by persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others.
To address this pressing issue, every Person with Albinism must speak up and be aware of his/her environs as we are not commodities/objects in the labor markets.
Let’s collaborate to promote peace, justice, inclusivity, and security across this Nation through multi-faceted approach that combines;
-Step Up advocacy and speak up. Silence doesn’t connote your invisibility because tomorrow you might be the victim. Intentionally volunteer to make the Community we find ourselves a safe place.
-Raise awareness and educate the general public about albinism, dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding the condition. This can be achieved through targeted campaigns, community dialogues, and educational programs in schools. By fostering understanding and empathy, we can combat the deep-rooted prejudices that contribute to these ritual killings.
-Collaborate between Government agencies, civil society organizations, and International partners is crucial in addressing this issue comprehensively. -Joint efforts can be made to provide support services to survivors and their families, including access to medical care, counseling, and rehabilitation.
From the survivor;
“Philip Nwokedi (29-year-old man) Nigeria
On June 24, 2023, a few minutes past 10 pm, a man named Solomon Duruna, a brother from my mother’s place, came to my home unannounced to where I live in Onitsha army barracks, Anambra State, which normally closes at 10 pm. When Philip asked him why he came over unannounced, Solomon claimed he had a meeting with somebody which didn’t end on time, so he wanted to spend the night at my place and promised he would leave the next day on June 25th, 2023, at 6 am. Solomon had previously stayed at my place two months ago.
In the early mornings of June 25th, 2023, Philip, who is a graphic designer, was working late and was shutting down at 2 am. When he was ready to go to bed, Solomon turned the lights off when I asked him, he complained of being disturbed by the rats from the bulb but because I was used to sleeping with light so I have to turn on my phone touch lights, so he Solomon can’t be distributed. We went back to sleep, then I woke up again and saw my kitchen light was on, which I asked Mr Solomon and he said he mistakenly turned the kitchen light on while trying to turn the room light off. We went to sleep again, only for me to wake up again a few minutes later, Solomon asked me what was the time which I replied it’s few minutes to 4:am, and he said that he would be going back to Owerri by 6:30 am.
Philip fell asleep again, but barely 5 minutes after he fell asleep, he felt a sharp pain on his neck and when he woke up, he saw Solomon on him with a knife, he asked him why, but Solomon attempted to stab him( Phillip) the second time. When he tried the third time, the knife bent and that’s when he (Solomon) used both hands to strangle me. In self-defense, Philip held Solomon’s manhood to free himself from strangulation because he was already bleeding profusely from the neck area. After Solomon let go, Philip screamed for help for about 5 minutes, during which Solomon tried to stab him again, but the neighbors broke the door down and entered the room to rescue him(Phillip).
Solomon was apprehended and taken to the station. When Philip confronted him, he( Solomon) said he was only “dreaming”. Philip called his mother who also told him that Solomon tried to kill her a few weeks ago, but when his sister tried to intervene, he hit her with a stool while he tried to stab his mother. He got away after that. Solomon’s friend testified also which Philip has a voice recording of him saying that if he didn’t find money, he would attempt the ritual. Some of Solomon’s friends in Owerri said they saw him leave the State around after 5pm on June 24th, 2023, to Anambra.
After the attack, Solomon was held at the army barracks and then taken into custody at Akuwuzo SARS station in Anambra State on August 5th, 2023. Solomon’s family had been calling to plead for his release, stating that the police were yet to prosecute him in court. The police kept asking Philip what he wanted to do about it. Philip finally spoke to the IPO on August 24th, 2023, who asked him again what he wanted to do about it. Picture evidence was requested, that Philip submitted. He( Phillip) called for justice to be served since it was an attempted murder.
Philip was asked to seek for first aid treatments at the hospital. Today, most of his injuries have healed and some have completely healed.”
In conclusion, this will serve as a deterrent and send a strong message that such acts will not be tolerated because the ritual killings of the Albinism Community in Southern Nigeria are a gross violation of their rights to freedom and life. By aligning interventions with the Nigerian Constitution as amended, SDGs and UNCRPD, and implementing a comprehensive approach that includes legal measures, awareness campaigns, justice system strengthening, collaboration, speaking up cannot be over emphasized and we can work towards eradicating these heinous acts and ensuring a more peaceful and just society for all. We are open for collaboration, networking and willing to engage in volunteerism.
Nnene Bassey
Chairperson Advocacy For Persons with Albinism Network.