Protests by religious groups have forced an academic conference being held to discuss witchcraft to change the topic of discussion to “dimensions of human behaviour”.
The two-day gathering is being organised by the University of Nigeria in Nsukka in the eastern state of Enugu, a mainly Christian region.
The main religions in Nigeria – Christianity and Islam – are opposed to the practice of witchcraft
But belief in witchcraft or “juju” is widespread across the country.
Traditional witchcraft practitioners are widely consulted for cures for various ailments and because they are believed to have magical powers to protect their clients from a wide range of misfortunes and to bring good luck.
Demonstrations are continuing outside the conference venue, despite the name change.
