A Nigerian mother has narrated the devastating story of how her young son developed cerebral palsy following a botched “deliverance” session conducted by a pastor in her husband’s church.

The emotional testimony, which surfaced in a viral video shared by @Ekaf TV on TikTok, has ignited outrage across social media, with many Nigerians calling for stricter regulation of unqualified “deliverance ministers” whose practices often endanger lives. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

The Tragic Incident

According to the woman, her ordeal began when she took her one-year-and-four-month-old son to her husband’s church for prayers. She said the boy was next in line during a routine deliverance service when the pastor suddenly claimed that the child possessed a “big star” and was “under spiritual bondage.”

The cleric insisted that the baby needed immediate deliverance to “break the chains of the enemy.”

In her words, “The pastor said my son had a great destiny and that the devil had tied him down. He told us the deliverance must happen that moment.”

She recounted that during the deliverance, the pastor lifted the child and turned him upside down multiple times while speaking in tongues. Moments later, the baby reportedly went into distress and began convulsing uncontrollably.

Medical Diagnosis and Aftermath

Panicked, the woman and some church members rushed the child to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed that he had sustained a brain injury. After several tests and medical evaluations, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy — a neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle tone, and coordination.

She explained that since the incident, her son has been unable to walk or speak normally, requiring constant care and therapy.

The distraught mother added that instead of offering support, her husband — a member of the same church — abandoned them shortly after the diagnosis and later remarried.

“He left me when our son turned two. He said I brought a curse upon the family by challenging the pastor. Since then, I’ve been taking care of my child alone,” she said tearfully.

Public Outrage and Calls for Accountability

The video has sparked a nationwide conversation about the dangers of unregulated deliverance practices in some churches across Nigeria. Social media users, medical professionals, and rights advocates have condemned the reckless actions of the pastor, describing the act as child abuse disguised as spirituality.

A user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:

“This is heartbreaking. Pastors who perform dangerous rituals on children need to be prosecuted. Faith is not an excuse for harm.”

Another user commented:

“The government must start enforcing strict laws to protect children from these so-called ‘deliverance sessions.’ Too many innocent lives are being destroyed in the name of miracles.”

Child rights advocates have also emphasized that religious freedom should never override medical and ethical standards, particularly when minors are involved.

Faith vs. Medical Science

Experts note that cerebral palsy can result from several factors, including oxygen deprivation to the brain during early childhood. However, violent handling or trauma can also trigger brain injury — a likely scenario in this case.

A pediatric neurologist at the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated:

“Turning a child upside down or shaking them vigorously can cause severe brain damage. These so-called deliverance practices must be discouraged.”

He urged parents to seek professional medical advice instead of resorting to unsafe spiritual interventions for their children.

A Cry for Regulation

This latest case adds to a growing list of tragic incidents involving minors and unqualified religious healers in Nigeria. Many citizens are now calling on authorities and religious bodies to enforce accountability among pastors who conduct extreme deliverances.

Organizations like the Child Rights and Protection Network (CRPN) have also appealed for collaboration between religious institutions and health agencies to promote awareness and prevent further harm.

As the video continues to circulate online, the mother’s story serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the need for compassion, wisdom, and caution in matters of faith.

Conclusion

While religion remains a cornerstone of hope for many Nigerians, experts say faith should never replace medical care or endanger human life. The tragic case of this young boy underscores the urgent need for public education on child safety, medical awareness, and responsible religious conduct.

Until laws are strengthened and awareness spreads, children will continue to suffer avoidable harm in the name of deliverance.

@ekaftv She took her child for deliverance. The pastor turned him upside down — now the child has cerebral palsy. Her husband walked away too. #fyp #uktiktok🇬🇧uk🇬🇭 #ekaftv ♬ Sad Music – Max-Music