Native Doctors, Charms, and the Battle for Anambra’s Soul: Inside Soludo’s War on Ritual Crimes

 

Since January 2025, Anambra State has witnessed a sweeping security reform that is rattling altars and shaking shrines. With the signing of the Anambra State Homeland Security Bill into law by Governor Charles Soludo, a new era of enforcement was born, marking an unprecedented crackdown on ritual-related crimes and what the government describes as "malevolent" spiritual practitioners.

At the heart of this campaign is the newly formed vigilante force known as Agunechemba, operating alongside a special security initiative named Operation Udo Ga-Achi. Their mission: to sanitize the state of insecurity linked to spiritual deception, violent crime, and ritual killings.

The law criminalizes practices such as Oke-Ite—a ritual believed to produce sudden wealth through supernatural means—and other similar potions like Ibubo, Awale, and Udu Akomili. It also bans roadside sacrifices and any charm-making meant to facilitate crime, prescribing six years imprisonment or a fine of N20 million for offenders.

Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, speaking in an interview, disclosed that over 30 native doctors have already been apprehended. According to him, these individuals are suspected of preparing charms for criminals—some even for fake pastors—thereby directly fueling a cycle of violence and illusion of invincibility among lawbreakers.

“These charms, like Odeshi—so-called traditional bulletproof—deceive criminals into thinking they are untouchable,” Mefor said. “But when these same criminals are gunned down or arrested, with charms still on them, the illusion shatters.”

In the eyes of the government, the connection is clear: the mysticism offered by these native doctors emboldens kidnappers, cultists, and ritualists. With many of the arrested criminals found in possession of these amulets, security forces now treat such spiritual paraphernalia as evidence.

But the crackdown has stirred tension within Anambra’s traditionalist communities. Though there have been reports of native doctors protesting the move, Mefor denied the existence of any such demonstrations within the state. He clarified that the video of supposed protests circulating online did not originate from Anambra.

Rather than outright confrontation, the government has initiated dialogue. In a meeting held days ago in Awka, over 500 native doctors and Ndi Ezenwanyi (female spiritual leaders) gathered with the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism. There, concerns were voiced—especially around the outlawing of sacrifices at riverbanks, a cornerstone of some traditional practices.

“They were mostly supportive,” Mefor said. “Their only worry was the ban on river sacrifices, which they believe could be re-evaluated. The government is open to that conversation.”

Responding to criticism that the new law infringes on religious freedom, the commissioner emphasized the government’s stance: the intention is not to erase Igbo traditional spirituality but to purge it of dangerous impostors.

“The Soludo administration is not at war with genuine practitioners of traditional religion,” Mefor explained. “We are targeting those who hide behind sacred traditions to commit crimes. True adherents have welcomed the law and are cooperating.”

For now, the government has not finalized plans on what to do with the confiscated charms and ritual objects, but destruction appears imminent. “I don’t see any useful purpose they will serve,” the commissioner remarked.

As arrests continue and Agunechemba’s operations deepen, Anambra stands at a crossroads. The government believes it is reclaiming the soul of the state from “evil covens,” and that with continued support from the people, the war on insecurity may yet be won.

“Victoria acerta!” Mefor declares—Victory is certain.