Soludo only after native doctors making charms for kidnapper, says commissioner

Law Mefor, commissioner for information in Anambra state, says the Chukwuma Soludo administration is only after native doctors providing charms for kidnappers and armed robbers in the state.

Mefor issued the clarification on Saturday, following concerns raised by native doctors across the state after reports suggested that Soludo had declared war on them.

Soludo reportedly said he had declared war on native doctors due to increased criminal activities in the state.

In a statement on Saturday, Mefor highlighted findings from investigations into the activities of native doctors in the south-east, which he said uncovered troubling practices by some of them.

“For the sake of the unsuspecting public, I want to address the recent disinformation generated in some desperate quarters over Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s stance on native doctors,” Mefor said.

“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.

“Concerned individuals and organisations have been investigating native doctors in the South-East and uncovered shocking revelations that reflect what 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, 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.”

The commissioner said the governor’s stance is not a blanket condemnation of traditional medicine or native doctors, but a targeted effort to root out those using “spiritual powers” for criminal activities.

”They are misleading the youths and will turn the state into a soulless society if not stopped,“ he said.

“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 practising the trade have nothing to fear from Soludo’s declaration. However, as we also acknowledge that fake native doctors are involved in criminal activities, they must be exposed and brought to justice as a way of sanitising the practice, rooting our criminality and preserving the state.”