Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has issued a stern warning to native doctors in the state, urging them to desist from polluting rivers and streams with ritual materials under the guise of traditional practices.

Addressing members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Awka on Thursday, Soludo expressed concern over the environmental and health hazards posed by such acts, especially as many residents depend on natural water sources for daily use.

“Stop contaminating our rivers and streams with ritual practices in the name of Odinani (tradition),” the governor cautioned. “Many people rely on that water for drinking, cooking, and other household needs. If you must perform rituals, use a container—like a bucket—fill it with water, and carry out your practices there.”

He stressed that polluted water could lead to serious health issues and said the government would not tolerate practices that endanger public health.

The governor’s comments come amid a state-led crackdown on criminal native doctors, which has sparked criticism from some who see the move as an attack on traditional religion. Soludo, however, clarified that the government’s actions are not targeted at genuine traditional worshippers, but at individuals using spirituality as a cover for fraud and crime.

“There are too many deceptive native doctors misleading our youths with promises of instant wealth,” he said. “No native doctor has the power to make you a millionaire without hard work.”

Citing the example of Anambra indigenes incarcerated abroad for drug-related offenses, Soludo blamed fraudulent ritualists for misleading young people into believing in “invisible charms” that would protect them from airport scanners.

“Go to Indonesia. The majority of Nigerians on death row for drug offenses are from Anambra. These native doctors deceived them,” he said.

Governor Soludo called on parents, community leaders, and religious groups to join hands in promoting values of hard work, discipline, and honesty among the youth.

 

“We must take action to rescue our future,” he said. “Let’s raise our children to believe in themselves—not in shortcuts or deceit.”