Herbalists Move to Curb Ritual Practices, Criminal Activities in Enugu Community

Herbal practitioners in Enugu Ezike, Igboeze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, have taken an oath to uphold ethical herbal practices and refrain from activities linked to ritualism, internet fraud and other crimes.

Members of the Association of Herbalists in Enugu Ezike individually swore to avoid preparing charms or concoctions for criminal purposes, including ritual killings, armed robbery, kidnapping and spiritual harm against individuals without just cause.

The oath was administered on Monday during the annual “Emume Ihu Ji Afo” festival translated as the roasting of yam to signal preparations for the next planting season.

Administering the oath was a human rights lawyer and legal adviser to the association, Dr. Ejikeme Odumegwu, who also holds the traditional title “Ndegbe–Ezike Oba.” He described the exercise as a proactive step aimed at discouraging criminality and addressing emerging social vices.

Dr. Odumegwu, who convened the festival, said some criminal activities, particularly those associated with youths seeking quick wealth, were often believed to involve spiritual fortification from unscrupulous herbal practitioners. He noted that the oath was designed to reinforce ethical conduct and promote accountability within the profession.

He emphasised that traditional herbal medicine itself was not being condemned, noting that herbs have long been recognised for healing purposes.

According to him, the initiative specifically targets the misuse of herbal knowledge to support crimes such as ritual killings or other harmful practices.

Dr. Odumegwu also urged traditional rulers across the country to adopt similar measures as part of broader community efforts to address security challenges.

He added that anyone wishing to practise herbal medicine in Enugu Ezike would henceforth be required to register with the association, which will document practitioners’ areas of specialisation, location and background.

Dr. Odumegwu further disclosed that the Owelle Ejikeme Odumegwu Foundation is monitoring a case involving the alleged ritual killing of a pregnant nurse from Enugu Ezike in Ogbunike, Anambra State, in 2025. He noted that law enforcement authorities had recorded progress in the investigation, with several suspects already arrested.

Earlier, the General Secretary of the Association of Enugu Ezike Herbalists, Mr. Barnabas Okechi, said the organisation registered with the government and the Corporate Affairs Commission fully supported the oath-taking initiative.

He said the association was committed to responsible herbal practice that protects lives and the community.

Also speaking, Rev. John Ezeh of the Assemblies of God Church, Umuopu, commended the association and Dr. Odumegwu for promoting responsible herbal practice and taking steps to discourage criminal activities.

Similarly, the Parish Priest of St. Paul’s Parish, Umuopu, Rev. Fr. Stanislaus Ugwu, stressed the moral consequences of wrongdoing, urging community members particularly youths to avoid activities that could endanger lives and social stability.

The event also featured a lecture titled “Man and His Environment: Herbalism in Abstract – Human Ritual Killing.”