On April 15, horror struck the small community of Ugbaike in Enugu Ezike, a tragedy that shook the foundations of the peaceful Igbo-Eze North community. At the heart of the macabre event were age-old practices of witchcraft and outdated beliefs, as a son, Chikwado, fell victim to an unthinkable act perpetrated by his own father.
Chikwado, who had recently been granted a visa to travel abroad, had returned to his home village to deliver the good news to his father. However, the joy of the news quickly turned into a nightmare when the father, Odugu, insisted on performing a fortification ritual that was supposed to ensure the successful departure of his son.
Events took a turn for the horrific when Odugu allegedly gave instructions for Chikwado to be buried alive for an hour and a half, as part of the ritual. At the end of the allotted time, the young man was exhumed but was found unconscious, much to the dismay of all.
The Enugu Police promptly launched an investigation, which led to the arrest of two suspects: Odugu, aged 48, and Uwakwe Eze, 67. They are both facing charges of conspiracy and murder, in what appears to be an unimaginable act of fatherly cruelty.
Police spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe confirmed the incident, revealing that the father had taken his son to the witch doctor for the ritual, where the tragedy took place. Ndukwe’s statement indicates that Chikwado, once dug out, was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead by medical personnel.
The witch doctor confessed to the facts, mentioning similar rituals in the past, while blaming Chikwado’s death on his failure to follow specific ritual guidelines that had been passed down to him.
This shocking and unheard-of tragedy is a grim reminder of the superstitions and deadly practices that still persist in some communities. It also raises critical questions about the need for education and awareness to end such atrocities of witchcraft and outdated beliefs.
Chikwado’s untimely and brutal death will, no doubt, remain an indelible scar in the history of Ugbaike, a poignant reminder of the dangers of irrational beliefs that can lead to unforgivable acts. Let us hope that this tragedy serves as a catalyst for positive change and collective awareness, to avoid such tragic events in the future.