Dr. John Metchie, the Traditional Prime Minister of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), has raised alarm over the role of fake native doctors in pushing young people in the state toward crime.
Speaking in Abuja, Metchie, who also serves as the Deputy Commander-General of the Nigeria Forest Security Service, said many youths had been misled by fraudulent spiritualists into engaging in criminal activities, including drug trafficking.
He praised Governor Charles Soludo for his efforts to steer Anambra youths away from the dangerous path of the “get-rich-quick” mentality, warning that the situation could have worsened significantly without the governor’s timely intervention.
Metchie highlighted the case of 23 Anambra indigenes currently on death row in Indonesia for drug-related offences.
He said Governor Soludo had linked such tragic outcomes to deceitful native doctors who peddle false promises of supernatural protection.
“Governor Soludo raised concern over the growing number of young people being lured into drug trafficking schemes.
He blamed the influence of fake native doctors who misguide these youths with claims of invincibility through charms,” Metchie said.
He emphasized that Soludo’s administration had outlawed these deceptive practices and called for the governor’s re-election, saying his leadership had brought moral reform and tangible development to the state.
Metchie said Soludo’s commitment to restoring Anambra’s moral fabric was evident, even though those undermining societal values often fail to recognize the sweeping changes.
He noted that the governor had revealed how some of the youths on death row were convinced by fake spiritualists that charms could make airport security systems ineffective.
Soludo has condemned the rise of fetish practices and the so-called “oke ite” or money rituals, warning that anyone found promoting false spiritual claims or illicit wealth schemes would be arrested.
The governor, according to Metchie, has also drawn a line between genuine traditional worship and exploitative spiritual practices, reminding the public that true traditionalists were known for their integrity and belief in divine justice.