A Nigerian woman’s harrowing experience of being labeled a witch as a child for wearing red pants to church has sparked widespread outrage and concern over religious practices in some institutions. The woman, now an adult, recently recounted the incident on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), describing how she was singled out, pressured to “confess,” and forced into a deliverance session at a prominent Lagos church.
The woman revealed that she was just seven or eight years old at the time and had innocently worn red pants to Sunday school. However, her choice of attire was condemned by the Sunday school teacher, who accused her of being a witch. Unfamiliar with the accusation, the child was left confused and distressed as the teacher repeatedly demanded a confession.
Reflecting on the experience, she recounted the moment, saying, “I didn’t know what was happening. The Sunday school teacher kept saying, ‘confess, confess.’ I didn’t even know what to confess to, but if they had given me a script, I would have definitely run with it so they would leave me alone.
Upon hearing of the ordeal, her mother confronted church officials, demanding accountability for the emotional harm inflicted on her child. Despite her mother’s intervention, the woman stated that the incident left a lasting scar, saying, “The trauma sat with me for years. I lost interest in church that day. In my young mind, I thought if you cannot tell for sure who is a witch through your visions, then your visions are unserious. Since then, I just saw those people for what they are – clowns. Wicked clowns.
The revelation has spurred an outpouring of support on social media, with many users expressing concern over the harmful impact of certain church practices on young, vulnerable children. Several users shared similar stories of trauma experienced in religious settings, calling for greater scrutiny and accountability for church leaders who perpetuate these practices.
The woman highlighted that this incident underscores the risks faced by children in Nigeria, particularly when families accept the narratives pushed by religious authorities without question. She urged families to be vigilant and supportive, ensuring that children are protected from harmful religious ideologies.
