The Okija shrines are back again

I thought the security agencies destroyed all these shrines in 2004?  So they are still existing? Anyway!

 

There is a supremacy battle presently going on at the dreaded Okija shrines in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State between the priests of the shrines and the youths in the area.   The shrine priests are accusing the youths of hijacking their shrines and parading themselves as priests of Ogwugwu- Aku and Ogwugwu-Isi and duping innocent Nigerians who visit these shrines.

 

If you recall in 2004, the discovery of these shrines sent a shock wave down the spine of Nigerians when it was discovered that human sacrifices were boldly being carried out in these shrines.  During the invasion of the shrines, human bodies and skulls were discovered.

 

A prominent elder from Ubah Okija and the President of Herbs and Leaves Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Dr. Omeifeijideofor Azugbo and the Chief Priest of  Ogwugwu-Ubahu-Idengwo deity have asked the Nigeria security agencies to investigate and monitor the activities of those he identified as ''jobless'' youths who have taken over the activities of the shrines and are duping the unsuspecting members of the public.  He also warned politicians and businessmen/women who are still patronising these shrines to be mindful of the fact that swindlers have taken over the duties of the shrine.

 

Also that the youths who are claiming to be herbalists do not have the required certificates to practise as such.  And that they are using the shrines to kill people.

 

 Corroborating Azugbo’s statement, another prominent indigene of Ubahu Ezike, Titus Azuawusiefe confirmed that their children who are supposed to be in school or in business are now forcing themselves to become chief priests of the shrines because of money. According to him, “These youths were arrested and taken to Abuja some years ago but they were released to come back home to continue with their nefarious activities and wicked killings. The shrines are even dealing with them but they don’t care.”

 

 Azugbo added that although the shrines were invaded in 2004 they still retain their original efficacy.

Source: Vanguard