Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has issued a stern warning to native doctors in the state, urging them to stop polluting streams and rivers with ritual materials.
Speaking on Thursday in Awka during a gathering of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) supporters, Governor Soludo emphasized the importance of preserving water sources used by many residents for drinking, cooking, and other daily needs.
“Stop contaminating our rivers and streams with ritual practices in the name of Odinani (tradition),” he said.
“If you must carry out such practices, use a container—like a bucket—and avoid polluting public water sources.
Contaminated water can cause illness, and we want to keep our communities safe.”
The governor’s remarks follow recent crackdowns on native doctors linked to criminal activities, which have sparked criticism from some traditional religious practitioners.
Soludo, however, clarified that the government’s actions are directed at criminal elements, not genuine traditional worshipers.
He expressed concern over the growing number of deceptive native doctors who exploit young people with promises of quick wealth.
“No native doctor can make you a millionaire without hard work,” Soludo stated, warning youths not to fall for fraudulent schemes.
He highlighted the dangers of drug trafficking, noting that many Anambra indigenes are currently on death row abroad due to misguided trust in rituals believed to make them undetectable at airports.
“These native doctors deceive people into thinking they can become invisible to airport scanners.
Unfortunately, many of our youths now suffer the consequences in foreign prisons,” he said.
“We must take action to rescue our future by instilling values of hard work, discipline, and determination in our children.”