THE NATURE AND EFFECTS OF WITCHCRAFT AMONG THE TIV OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA: AN EXPOSITORY INQUIRY

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze the nature and effect of witchcraft among the Tiv of North Central Nigeria. Witchcraft is a dreadful phenomenon feared by many, and at the same time revered by practitioners. It is shrouded in mystery since only the adherents have in-depth knowledge of their group's actions. Witchcraftis used more popularly and broadly to describe all sorts of evil employment of mystical powers generally in a secret fashion.Witchcraft could be innate in an individual, it can be inherited as well as acquired. In Tiv culture, witchcraft is one of the three major components of Tiv traditional Religion alongside the belief in Aondo (Supreme Being) and Akombo (deities). Witchcraft is called Tsav while its adherents are called Mbatsav. A man who possesses Tsav powers is called Ormbatsav (wizard), while the female is Kwasembatsav(witch). Life in Tiv society is centered on the vital power of witchcraft. Although witchcraft cannot be scientifically proven, witches are believed to cause deformities, accidents, and misfortune. Many misfortunes of life are connected to evil manifestations of witchcraft. This study discusses the nature and effects of witchcraft in Tiv culture. Due to inadequate literature on the subject matter, this study relies mainly on primary sources, i.e oral interviews. Others were textbooks and journal articles. Findings showed that witchcraft is evil, antisocial and destructive. It was also found that Christianity has largely influenced theactivities of witches.