A disturbing incident has been reported in Nkpor, Anambra State, where a man, Michael Eje, was beaten and publicly humiliated by youths for allegedly killing a sacred snake. The incident was captured on video and has since gone viral on social media.
The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, has condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric. He called on the Anambra State Government, led by Governor Charles Soludo, to publicly denounce the act and take immediate steps to prevent a recurrence.
According to Eje, a native of Onueke in Ebonyi State, he was working at a building site when he encountered the snake. He claimed self-defense, saying the snake suddenly lunged at him, prompting him to kill it. Eje said he had no prior knowledge that killing a snake was considered an abomination in the community.
Eje and his wife recounted the traumatic experience, explaining that he was beaten and forced to chant dirges for the snake while being paraded through the community. He was later fined ₦50,000. Eje has called for justice and urged the authorities to address the incident to protect the rights of residents, especially non-indigenes, in Anambra communities.
Senator Nwebonyi has directed the chairman of the Ebonyi State Indigenes Association in Anambra, Chief Moses Ofoke, to obtain a first-hand account from the victim and his wife for necessary intervention. The senator’s swift response has been appreciated by Eje, who is grateful for the support.
