Witchdoctors, prayers . . . superstition

I don't know whether to be amused or disgusted by the story below that reports the kind of things that persist in these modern times. The story comes from Nigeria so we might think they are backwards and superstitious people...BUT, we live in a country where the majority of people resort to prayers and rituals in order to try to control things they could never have any control over. Wishing upon a star, coins in fountains, prayers to a million versions of god, angels, saints and whatnot. Rabbits feet, lucky clothing and trinkets, holy cards, special incantations. It is all around us.

The human being is quiet a pathetic creature the way we wish for impossible things, like living forever, stopping Mother Nature's destructive forces, etc. through merely reciting some magic words. These things may make people feel better, or like they are not alone. But deep down, I think most people know that shit happens and there isn't a damn thing we can do about a large number of things except to pray (wish). Some things we can fix, or make happen through our own knowledge and efforts...other things all we can do is hope.

Witchdoctor caught at poll tribunal

ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigerian police have arrested a witchdoctor employed by a politician to perform rituals at an election tribunal, local media reported Thursday.

Officers caught Oluwole Abiodun Wednesday at the court building in southwestern Ondo state with charms and copies of the Bible and Koran in a black plastic bag.

A pot containing a rabbit, seven eggs, cowrie shells and palm oil was found nearby, the state News Agency of Nigeria said.

"Abiodun said that he was sent by one of the principal officers of the state House of Assembly to perform some rituals in the court premises," the agency said.

Hundreds of cases are being heard across Nigeria to resolve disputes arising from April elections that were so heavily rigged they were deemed not credible by international observers.

The witchdoctor's rituals would have been intended to ensure that the challenge to the election of the legislator failed.