Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has launched a crackdown on native doctors involved in criminal activities, including preparing charms for kidnappers, armed robbers, and money ritualists.
A statement by Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, said the governor’s declaration of war is targeted at “fake and devilish native doctors” who promote esoteric practices that are alien to Igbo culture.
Soludo’s move is aimed at rooting out diabolical rituals that have led to the rise of ‘Ego Mbute, Oke-Ite’ and ‘Yahoo Plus’ as well as idolatry, which are making a comeback in Igbo socio-cultural life.
The governor emphasized the need to expose and deal decisively with native doctors who aid criminality and promote harmful practices.
It’s worth noting that not all native doctors are involved in criminal activities, and traditional medicine has a rich cultural heritage. Those genuinely practicing the trade have nothing to fear from Soludo’s declaration.
The governor’s action is a targeted effort to root out those using spiritual powers for criminal activities, which are misleading the youths and threatening to turn the state into a “soulless society.”
To achieve this goal, Soludo is calling on the people of Anambra to work together with the government to root out criminality and promote a culture of respect for human life, integrity, morality, hard work, and fear of God.
The statement titled: “Governor Soludo’s Stance on Native Doctors”, read partly, “Governor Soludo never declared war on all native doctors, but rather on fake and devilish native doctors involved in criminal activities.
“Concerned individuals and organisations have been investigating native doctors in the South-East and uncovered shocking revelations that reflect what Governor Soludo is saying.
“Some native doctors are involved in preparing charms for kidnappers and armed robbers, and are believed to be involved in evil practices that may not exclude human sacrifices for money and protection.
“These diabolical rituals have given rise to ‘Ego Mbute, Oke-Ite’ and ‘Yahoo Plus’ as well as idolatry, making a speedy return to Igbo socio-cultural life.
“Governor Soludo, out of a sense of responsibility and responsiveness, has moved to root such diabolical and evil practices out, which have nothing to do with genuine traditional medicine or native doctors who are truly serving God and humanity. They are misleading the youths and will turn the state into a soulless society if not stopped.
“The way forward requires greater clarity and understanding. We must recognise that not all native doctors are involved in criminal activities and that traditional medicine has a rich cultural heritage.
“So, those genuinely practicing the trade have nothing to fear from Governor Soludo’s declaration,” the statement reads in part.
