The Association of Native Doctors in Nigeria has vowed to take necessary action following the reported burning of a shrine belonging to a female traditional medicine practitioner in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Rivers State leader of the association, Promise Ikenna, said although the affected woman had not been fully identified with the association, steps would be taken to discourage attacks on traditional and herbal medicine practitioners.
Ikenna stressed that the rights of every individual must be respected and protected, particularly under the Federal Government’s policies through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
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The incident reportedly occurred when some Onne youths and a pastor identified simply as Ejor allegedly invaded the residence of a native doctor known as Ezewanyi, accusing her of practising demonic rituals.
Ezewanyi, however, said she had practised her traditional beliefs for years and had never received any invitation or directive asking her to stop or leave the area.
A legal practitioner in Rivers State, who spoke anonymously, cautioned against labelling all traditional worshippers as practitioners of demonic or “juju” activities.
She said individuals have a fundamental right to practise their faith and warned that invading a person’s private residence under the guise of “liberation” could violate that right.
