A group of native doctors and traditional medicine practitioners in Anambra State have staged a protest, accusing the state government of unfairly targeting them through the operations of the Agunaechemba security outfit.
The practitioners, known as Ndi Dibia and Ezenwanyi, alleged that the government’s actions amounted to religious discrimination and a violation of their constitutional rights.
Gathering from different parts of the state, they condemned what they described as a deliberate attempt to stigmatize their profession under the guise of security enforcement.
During the demonstration, the group performed traditional rituals and offered prayers, vowing to resist what they called an assault on their beliefs and practices.
High Priest Ikele, who led the protest, accused Governor Charles Soludo of waging an unjust crackdown on their activities.
“We are not criminals or cultists,” Ikele declared.
“We are traditional healers who have served our communities for generations. Soludo cannot suppress us through intimidation.”
The protesting native doctors also threatened to mobilize against the governor’s re-election bid in the November 2025 gubernatorial election if their concerns were not addressed.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State government has maintained that its actions are purely aimed at tackling crime.
Authorities have arrested several well-known native doctors, accusing them of aiding criminals through ritual practices and charm preparations.
Those in custody include Chidozie Nwangwu, known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki; Onyebuchi Okocha, alias Onyeze Jesus; and Ekene Igboekweze, popularly called Eke Hit.
The state’s Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, defended the government’s actions, insisting that the crackdown is not an attack on traditional worship but a necessary step to curb crime.
“The government is focused on dismantling criminal networks and bringing to justice those who support them, including native doctors who empower criminals with charms,” Mefor said during an interview on the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS).
He assured that all accused individuals would face due legal process under the newly introduced Anambra State Homeland Security Law.
The government, he added, remains committed to restoring law and order across the state.
