AWKA, Nigeria — Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has recently declared war against some native doctors in the southeastern state, sparking controversy.
The state’s commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, clarified on Saturday, December 28, 2024, that the crackdown is directed solely at “fake” and “devilish” practitioners involved in criminal activities.
The governor’s announcement came amid rising concerns over criminality in the state, including allegations that some native doctors prepare charms for kidnappers and armed robbers.
In a press statement, Dr Mefor stressed that Soludo’s actions do not attack genuine traditional medicine or the cultural heritage of native doctors who practice responsibly.
“To set the record straight, Soludo never declared war on all native doctors but rather on fake and devilish native doctors involved in criminal activities,” Mefor stated.
The commissioner highlighted disturbing findings from investigations into some native doctors in the South-East region, revealing their alleged involvement in diabolical rituals, including human sacrifices, and aiding criminal networks.
“These diabolical rituals have given rise to practices such as ‘Ego Mbute,’ ‘Oke-Ite,’ and ‘Yahoo Plus,’ promoting idolatry and undermining Igbo values of integrity and morality,” Mefor said.
Targeting Criminal Practices
Soludo’s directive specifically targets practitioners using spiritual powers to facilitate crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and ritual killings.
“His stance is not a blanket condemnation of traditional medicine or all native doctors, but a targeted effort to root out those using so-called spiritual powers for criminal activities,” Mefor explained.
The governor’s initiative is part of a broader effort to restore integrity and uphold the values for which the Igbo people are renowned, including respect for human life, morality, hard work, and the fear of God.
Call to Action
Mefor urged Anambra residents to cooperate with the government to expose fake native doctors involved in criminal activities, emphasizing the role of collective action in ensuring security.
“Security is everybody’s business and not that of government alone. So, if you see something, hear something, say something,” the statement concluded.
Preserving Igbo Culture
The commissioner reiterated that genuine practitioners of traditional medicine and native doctors have nothing to fear from the governor’s directive.
Instead, Soludo’s focus is on rooting out criminal elements to preserve the rich cultural heritage of traditional medicine and uphold the state’s reputation.
The governor’s declaration has been widely debated, but Mefor’s clarification seeks to distinguish between legitimate traditional practices and those misused for nefarious purposes, underscoring the government’s commitment to a safer and more morally upright Anambra.
