Religious leaders in Ikot Ekpene Local Government area of Akwa Ibom State have been admonished to ensure that the people of the area do not stigmatise or discriminate against aged parents or children on grounds of witchcraft as the state will not view the issue lightly.

The Governor of the state, Chief Godswill Akpabio, stated this at Ikot Ekpene at the just concluded orientation/seminar for church leaders and students.

Represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industries, Dr. Emem wills, Akpabio noted that, proliferation of churches and the witches/witchcraft pursuit syndrome is completely out of practice in today’s Christendom.

Speaking on the theme, "The Fear of God:, A Panacea For An Akwa Ibom Child and the Expectations of the 21st Century Church in the State,  Wills noted with dismay how church leaders get themselves involved in deceit, spiritism, mysticism and other forms of sorcery to attract converts for  financial gains.

Most of them he observed do not remember anymore to teach the young ones values, norms and etiquettes within the confines of their society.

He advised church leaders to retrace their steps and hold fast to their mandate of prayerfulness, reminding them that they are in the Lord's vineyard and that a great reward awaits those who will do their work diligently.