By Our Reporter
A 43-year-old man, Emeka Stephen Onugha, has reported that his kinsmen are after his life over his refusal to serve a deity in his community.
Onugha, an indigene of Ikenga Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra state, said the role was passed to him after traditionalists had pushed down the position to his family as hereditary.
Onugha, who claimed to be a devout Christian, revealed that he has been facing intense pressure from his community and family members to take up the role of serving the deity. However, he has consistently refused, citing his faith and personal convictions.
“Trouble started sometime this year when I was approached by the traditionalists led by one Chief Idigo Onyeaka of my kindred who claimed that their Aja-ani deity had chosen me as Chief priest to succeed my late uncle and departed chief priest, Chief Nwoye Onugha.
“I instantly rejected the offer because I am a committed Christian of the Anglican communion where I function as leader of the band team. I also do not want to get involved with blood sheds all in the name of being a chief priest.
“I was also told that anybody who is in line to assume this post, and refuses, gets killed and sacrificed to the deity. So knowing that death is the penalty, I had to run away for my life through the help of a Catholic priest who foresaw the scenario after all my frustrations.
“The blood sacrifices of human beings involved poses danger to the life of my son and my wife; as they will shave my son’s hair and the pubic hair of my wife in preparation to perform rituals. And I can’t vouch for what happens next.
“I have traveled to other parts of the country trying to hide but they kept on tracking my locations to kill me. I don’t know what their next plan is.
“This situation has in the past taken the life of a cousin and an elder uncle who refused their turns in the past. I’m now considering running away from the country so I can stay alive, take care of my children and raise them in Godly ways, and worship my God in heaven. I’m a drummer and go with groups for evangelism.
“I have always been a Christian and never served any idol, so wouldn’t dump my faith for idol worshiping,” he narrated.
According to Onugha, the matter was reported to the Ogidi Divisional Police Headquarter where Onyeaka was interrogated but the case was referred civil and the parties advised to go to the traditional council for resolution.
He appealed for the intervention of the government to come to his rescue and save his life and that of his wife and children.
He also called on the international community and other relevant authorities to work for a total eradication of such practice.
About Author
