Photo: Suspects arrested at Okija where 70 corpses were unearthed in 2004
By Didimoko A. Didimoko
The infamous Okija shrine in Umuofor, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been shut down by the state government.
Anambra government official told Naija Daily News that the money was part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s effort to rein in fake native doctors and criminal gangs operating in the state.
Our sources said the governor moved against local deity adherents following the growing notoriety of Okija and other parts of the state for criminal activities, including internet fraudsters, kidnappers and ritual killers.
The Okija shrine headed by Ekene Igboegbueze, a self-proclaimed native doctor, claimed to have the capability of making people rich, even though those claims have not been independently verified.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Prince Ken Emeakai, stated that the government took action based on reports from the local community.
“Igboegbueze’s business is illegal under Anambra State Homeland Security Laws,” he said, adding that properties acquired through the illicit trade have also been sealed.
“All items found in the shrine will undergo forensic examination, and the results will determine further government action,” he added.
Director of Operations for Agunechemba Security Outfit, Chinenye Ihenko, cautioned youths against patronizing fake native doctors and pastors.
“The activities of fake spiritual leaders are fueling a get-rich-quick mentality in the state,” he said.
“Our mandate is to sanitize Anambra, and we are committed to that. Anything contributing to the desecration of the state or aiding criminal activities will be eradicated. That, we can assure the people.”
He urged the youth to engage in legitimate ventures to avoid falling foul of the law.
It would be recalled that Okija is renowned for its shrine and macabre rituals. In 2004, over 70 fresh and decomposing corpses and skulls were recovered from a shrine premises of a shrine.
It was also the site of the infamous oath of alliance sworn by former governor Chris Ngige to his estranged godfather, Mr Chris Uba.
