The Chairman of the Association of Traditional Medicine Practitioners (ATMP), Ebonyi State Chapter, Chief Dr. Augustine Ekechi (Omeruoha One), has publicly dissociated the association from ritual practices and condemned the recent incident involving the exhumation and sale of a human skull for money rituals.
Speaking to journalists yesterday at Abakaliki, Dr. Ekechi, whose office is located at Block 5 of the Ministry of Health complex, emphasized that traditional medicine practitioners in the state are mandated to complement modern healthcare—not to engage in diabolic or illegal activities.
“Our duty is to provide supplementary support to modern health practitioners. When they can’t handle certain ailments, they bring patients to us, and we treat them using roots and herbs. In cases where we cannot provide a cure, we refer such patients back to the hospital,” he said.
Reacting to the recent arrest of Ugoegu Nwaji, who exhumed the skull of his late younger brother for ritual purposes, and the alleged native doctor, Nwodo Nwenyi, who bought it for ₦12,000 to perform an “Okite” ritual, Ekechi condemned the act and clarified that neither of the suspects are recognized members of the ATMP.
“The native doctor involved is not an indigenous Izhi man but a stranger who settled in our land. People mistake them for locals because they have lived among us for a long time. But no true Izhi native will harm a family member for money rituals,” Ekechi stated firmly.
He described “Okite” and similar practices such as “Odeshi” as criminal activities that the association does not condone, urging the government to arrest and prosecute any individual caught engaging in such acts.
“There is no association known as the National Association of Nigeria Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NATMP) operating in Ebonyi. It has been banned by the state government. Only the ATMP is recognized here, and we have strict regulations. Before issuing any license, I personally inspect the clinic, interview patients, and ensure no harmful practices are involved,” he added.
Ekechi commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for what he described as divine leadership focused on transformation, peace, and public service delivery under the “People’s Charter of Needs.” He pledged that the ATMP would continue to partner with state security agencies and health authorities to flush out illegal practitioners and preserve public health and safety.
“We have already arrested at least ten herbalists involved in illegal or ritualistic activities. They are in SWAT custody. We also carry out market and house-to-house checks to ensure herbal vendors are licensed and not selling harmful products,” he said.
Ekechi, who specializes in treating mental illness, strokes, poison cases, and other chronic conditions using herbal remedies, said treatments are provided freely, and patients may only voluntarily express gratitude through thanksgiving.
He appealed to the state government for the provision of modern herbal-processing equipment to enhance their work and lauded the Ministry of Health for supporting the association.
“This is a warning to all illegal and diabolic practitioners: repent or leave Ebonyi State. We are known for peace, and we will not allow criminals to destroy the good name of traditional medicine,” Ekechi concluded.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has confirmed the continued detention of both Nwaji and Nwenyi. NSCDC Commandant Francis Nnadi described the act as “gruesome” and a “desecration of the dead,” pledging swift prosecution of the suspects.
