Spiritual Cleansing in Rivers State: NAPTIP Says Parents Defending Pastor Need Counselling

NAPTIP condemns a Rivers pastor’s flogging of children during “spiritual cleansing” as child abuse, urging counselling for parents defending the act.

NAPTIP Condemns Child Abuse Disguised as Spiritual Cleansing

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has strongly condemned the actions of a Rivers State pastor who flogged children under the guise of spiritual cleansing.

According to Nwamaka Ikediashi, NAPTIP’s Rivers State representative, the incident constitutes a clear case of child abuse. She also emphasised that some parents defending the act require urgent counselling to understand the psychological and legal implications.

“The parents are victims too. They need to understand the harm caused, and that can only happen through proper counselling,” Ikediashi told Channels Television during The Morning Brief.

For further context on child protection laws in Nigeria, you can explore UNICEF’s child rights resources.

Pastor Ifediorah Joseph Arrested in Port Harcourt

The pastor, identified as Ifediorah Joseph, was arrested by the police after allegedly flogging over 20 children during a three-day deliverance programme in Port Harcourt.

Police reports indicate the ritual involved pigeon blood, water, and palm fruit, with claims that it was meant to protect children from “a looming death.” Shockingly, after the arrest, some children and their parents arrived at the police station singing and dancing in his support.

One mother told journalists:

“My daughter was among those purified. They said death was in the air, and the cleansing would protect them.”

Parents as Victims of Harmful Religious Practices

NAPTIP believes that the parents’ actions stem from ignorance and deep-rooted cultural or religious beliefs. Many are unaware that subjecting children to such rituals is illegal and amounts to torture.

The agency insists that sensitisation, counselling, and strict enforcement of child protection laws are necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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Ongoing Police Investigation

The Rivers State Police Command confirmed that investigations are ongoing. Authorities revealed that the pastor claimed the programme was inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Footage of the incident shared on social media sparked outrage, prompting a swift police raid. Officers rescued the minors, placed them in protective care, and detained several church members alongside the pastor.

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