Abstract

The advent of Christianity in Tivland, Benue State, Nigeria, has significantly influenced the traditional practices and beliefs of the Tiv people, including witchcraft. This study explores the impact of Christianity on witchcraft practices in Tivland. Despite the spread of Christianity, witchcraft remains a prevalent phenomenon in Tivland, with many Christians still engaging in traditional witchcraft practices. This study investigates the extent to which Christianity has influenced witchcraft practices in Tivland. This study employed a qualitative approach, relying on participant observation and field experience of the phenomenon of witchcraft in Tivland. The researcher observed and recorded witchcraft-related practices and rituals in various Christian communities in Tivland. The study reveals that Christianity has had a significant impact on witchcraft practices in Tivland, with many Christians abandoning traditional witchcraft practices and embracing Christian teachings. However, some Christians still engage in traditional witchcraft practices, often as a means of coping with spiritual and economic challenges. The study recommends that Christian leaders in Tivland should continue to emphasize the incompatibility of witchcraft with Christian teachings and provide support for those seeking to abandon traditional witchcraft practices. The study concludes that Christianity has had a positive impact on reducing witchcraft practices in Tivland, but more efforts are needed to fully integrate Christian teachings into the daily lives of Tiv Christians.