Governor Soludo Rebukes Ritual Pollution and Warns Youths Against Deceptive Native Doctors

 

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State has issued a stern warning to traditional native doctors, cautioning against ritual practices that are increasingly becoming a public health and social menace across the state.

While addressing members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state capital, Awka, the governor expressed deep concern over the environmental degradation caused by certain ritualistic activities performed by native doctors, especially the pollution of rivers and streams. He emphasized the dangers of contaminating water bodies with ritual offerings and substances, noting that many rural communities depend on these natural water sources for essential daily use.

“Stop contaminating our rivers and streams with ritual practices in the name of ‘Odinani’ (our tradition),” Soludo said. “Many of our people still rely on these water bodies for drinking, cooking, and washing. Polluted water can lead to serious health problems. We must protect the wellbeing of our communities.”

He urged traditionalists to adopt safer and more responsible ways of carrying out their rituals. “If you must perform rituals, please use a bucket or container filled with water rather than dumping substances directly into our streams and rivers,” he advised.

This latest call to action follows earlier criticism from Governor Soludo directed at native doctors who, according to him, have played a role in misleading Anambra youths into engaging in criminal enterprises such as drug trafficking. He had previously accused some of these traditional practitioners of instilling false confidence in young men, persuading them to believe that charms can shield them from detection at international airports.

“There are people today on death row in Indonesia who hail from Anambra,” Soludo revealed. “These young men were told by native doctors that they could carry drugs abroad without being caught. The charms didn’t work. Now, they are facing execution or life imprisonment.”

Soludo lamented what he called the commercialization of tradition by unscrupulous individuals posing as native doctors. According to him, their growing influence is undermining the values of discipline and hard work in the state.

“These so-called spiritualists are deceiving our youths with promises of quick money and invisibility. Let me be clear: no native doctor can make you a millionaire overnight without effort. It’s a scam,” he declared. “The true path to wealth is still through hard work, focus, and perseverance—not charms or shortcuts.”

In recent months, security operations across Anambra have intensified, with authorities cracking down on what they describe as “criminal native doctors”—those involved in ritual killings, extortion, and fraud. These operations have sparked backlash from some groups who allege that the government’s efforts are an attack on traditional religious practices.

Governor Soludo, however, clarified that the state is not at war with genuine traditionalists but is instead targeting those who exploit cultural practices for criminal gain.

“This isn’t about suppressing our culture or religion,” he explained. “It’s about protecting our people from fraudsters who hide behind tradition to exploit and endanger others. We want to build a society where values matter—where our youths can grow with pride, dignity, and strong moral grounding.”

He called on residents of Anambra to unite behind the government’s mission to cleanse the state of criminal influences and restore integrity to traditional practices.

As his administration continues to push forward with reforms in security and public welfare, Soludo made it clear that any traditions that jeopardize public health or fuel crime will not be tolerated.

“Our mission is to reclaim Anambra from the hands of those who profit from ignorance and fear. We owe our children a better future,” he said.