Cover image shows woman who is falsely accused to have transformed to a cat attacked by mob but rescued by police
It was not too long ago that Child’s Right and Rehabilitation (CRARN), founded by a Good Samaritan, Sam Ikpe Itauma, put a human face on the tragedy that had struck Ibom State and neighboring states – the slaughter of children accused of witchcraft by their parents and communities.
CRARN’s efforts and documentary raised global awareness of a tragedy that but for its efforts, may never have come to spotlight, let alone, prick the collective consciousness of the world and moved them to act.
CRARN was inundated with praises around the globe and condemnation by those who saw CRARN as a threat and set out to destroy it and to annihilate its leadership.
CRARNS’ DEMORALIZING EPISODE:
For several years, CRARN and its officials went through demoralizing episodes, unwarranted attacks, oppression and in fact persecution.
Its headquarters in Eket was raided and its children forcefully removed against their will and relocated to Uyo.
Ignoring the wishes of the children, the environment where they grew up, the language the spoke and people they bonded with for years.
The invaders left behind the nihilism and emptiness of a void life. The children’s faith and CRARN’s personal responsibility to its children were crushed overnight but not CRARN’s will.
Despite the barriers and financial hardships imposed on CRARN, CRARN and its officials continued to remain committed to its founding principles – to be stewards of the country’s homeless, the mentally ill, abused children, battered wives, and a few waifs to give hope to the hopeless and shelter to the homeless.
But suffice it to say that hundreds of children have been rescued again and currently occupying the CRARN Children Centre in Eket craving for help for food and education.
Protection of the Children, the homeless, needy, oppressed, victimized represent CRARN’s covenant and its pledge of faith in its people.
CRARNS, the defender of the witchcraft murdered children, is extending its reach to the mentally ill and the homeless.
CRARN’s new documentary now tells stories/exposes the heinous murders of the mentally ill and homeless across the country.
THE VICIOUS COMPONENT OF THE MURDER:
The murders have vicious components says CRARN’s chief executive, Sam Itauma.
“These homeless people and some mentally ill people pose no threat to anyone. Some of these homeless people are just displaced people who are in need of shelter.
“Some are those who have been separated from their families and are in the street because they have no one to turn to.”
Some of the mentally ill are roaming the street because of their conditions, lack of care and neglect even by their families.
They become preys or target to these psychopaths who murder them although they have done them no harm.
The obvious signs of mutilation and blunt force trauma to the head, body and chocking, are evidence that they are not people who may have voluntarily check out of the world.
They are not victims of armed gangsters warring among themselves and being caught in the crossfire. They are not victims of rival drug dealers in corners of streets that is common in most western countries like the United States.
They are innocent street inhabitants who have been murdered in cold blood. CRARN is asking for public help to identify their attackers and report them to police.
CRARN – an ardent advocate and defender of children accused of witchcraft – is extending its reach to raise global awareness of the callous slaughter of mentally ill and the homeless in the streets across the country, mostly Lagos, Osun, Ondo, Abuja, Rivers and Anambra States of Nigeria.
It is asking for public help to identify their attackers so they can be arrested and brought to justice.
To keep Nigerian Streets safe was Buhari/ APC campaign priority.
It’s time to deliver on those promises which the nation voted Muhamadu Buhari for.
Dr. Inyang Oduok
Atlanta, Georgia
Governor Udom Donates Food, Toiletries to Stigmatized, Street Children in Eket
It was a cloud of joy as Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel this week, donated food worth hundreds thousands of Naira to occupants of CRARN Children Centre, a children-home run by the Child’s Right and Rehabilitation Network (CRARN) in Ikot Afaha, Eket Local Government Area in Nigeria.
Making the donation on behalf of the governor, the Head, Government House Prayer Team, and Special Assistant to the governor on Religious Matters, Rev. Daniel Akwatang said they were there to offer prayers to the children and deliver a message from the Akwa Ibom State governor who is their father and to remind them that they’re not in any way forgotten.
Rev. AkwaAtang reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting children and supporting their welfare in the state. He urged the children to be humble and concentrate on their studies in order to lead a successful life in the future.
Also speaking, the Secretary of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Akwa Ibom State chapter, Bishop Emmanuel Ebitu, who earlier offered prayers for the children said CAN would continue to work with the government to support the children at CRARN Center to keep their good health and education going.
He described Governor Emmanuel as a good father imbued with kindness whose desire to improve the living standard of the less privilege was insurmountable.
He commended the management of CRARN for supporting the less privileged and called individuals and corporate bodies lend their support to the organization.
“Governor Udom Emmanuel is a man, a father I know filled with great kindness and articulation better living for our children and the underprivileged.
“He has asked us to let you know that he will continue to support you because, with a good education, you can become potential future leaders of our state and country.
“So do not be despaired, be strong and expect more from your governor.
“To the Management of CRARN, permit me, at this point, to add that you are doing an amazing work for the society by caring for these children who have no parents or families to support them.
“God will ultimately bless you.” Bishop Ebitu maintained.
The children expressed their joy and appreciation to the Governor through songs and dance lead by the CRARN Centre Coordinator and Chief Matron, Ms. Elizabeth M. Wilson.
© Copyright 2017 www.elombah.com; send eyewitness accounts/reports/articles to publisher@elombah.com; follow us on twitter @Elombah; like our Facebook page: Elombah.com; join us on WhatsApp HERE