By Sunny A. David, Awka
A Catholic priest, Father Angelo Chidi Unegbu, has condemned the Anambra State Government over the demolition of a shrine and the burning of items recovered from the premises of a convicted native doctor.
The shrine, belonging to Mr. Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, was destroyed following a judgment delivered by a High Court sitting in Awka.
The court sentenced Nwangwu to 11 months’ imprisonment for his involvement in ritual practices known as “oke ite” and other related offences.
The demolition of the expansive shrine, located in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, was supervised by Mr. Ken Emeakayi, Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security.
The exercise was carried out by Agunechemba security personnel.
Reports indicate that the shrine, which contained native pots, moulded images, photographs, clothing, and other objects, was dismantled piece by piece, with the recovered items subsequently set ablaze.
Reacting to the development, Father Unegbu described the burning of the items as inhumane and unnecessary. In a statement shared online, he questioned the rationale behind destroying materials that could have been subjected to further examination.
“Why are you destroying and burning the objects in the shrine? How can you set fire to something you don’t understand?” he wrote.
The priest argued that experts should have been invited to analyse the recovered materials to help authorities better understand the alleged activities and possible networks linked to the shrine.
According to him, some of the objects could have been preserved for historical or research purposes, potentially in a museum.
Father Unegbu also expressed concern about how the property was accessed and voiced surprise that some members of the public were celebrating the demolition.
He clarified that his position was based on humanitarian considerations and the need for a thorough investigation, rather than support for ritual practices.
The incident has continued to generate mixed reactions across Anambra State and beyond, as debates persist over the government’s handling of the case and the broader fight against criminal ritual activities.
