Priest orders felling of tree for alleged witchcraft practices
The tree is more than 100 years old, older than anyone alive in Binshua village, Nkambe Central subdivision, in the North West region. On Sunday, October 14, 2023, the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Parish Binshua, Fr. Anthony, ordered Christians to cut the tree because it allegedly harbors witches and wizards, CNA learned.
“This tree is more than a hundred and fifty years old and has been home to fauna and fora. Unique species of birds, bees, and insects used to live on this tree. This tree is older than every living human being in Binshua village today. These are the kind of things and places that UNESCO calls heritage sites that deserve maximum protection, not destruction of this nature. This shouldn’t be happening in the 21st century when the World is grappling with the disastrous effects of climate change and desertification,” a pained villager expressed his concerns.
CNA learned that the tree stood beside the Binshua Health Centre on the way to the Bondi family of Kumanji quarter, Nkambe Central Subdivision.
“The Priest and his followers claimed that witches and wizards were operating from this tree and causing havoc in the village.” He said.
Some villagers questioned why Fr Anthony as a Man of God did not use his spiritual powers to drive away the witches and wizards, instead of cutting the tree down.
“The villagers were divided over the issue. Some were against and others, especially his Christians were for it. It would appear that the Fon and some elders of the village impliedly consented to it or suffered from indecision because they didn’t stop the Priest from going ahead with this act.” someone who had knowledge of the incident told CNA.
