•The Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN
The Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge SAN, has banned the activities of Eze-Nwanyi (female native doctors) and other unregulated traditional practitioners, citing their alleged involvement in kidnappings, ritual killings, and cyber-related fraud.
Announcing the decision at a press conference today, the monarch expressed deep concern over rising crime in Asaba, particularly after reports linked native doctors and shrines in the area to the murder of Anambra lawmaker Justice Azuka, whose body was discovered on the Niger Bridge.
The Asagba emphasised that many of these practitioners are outsiders with criminal motives, reports Channels TV.
“From today, the activities of Eze-Nwanyi and other unregulated native doctors are banned,” he declared.
Moving forward, all traditional practitioners in Asaba must register under the Otu-Ihaza, the town’s legislative authority.
He reiterated the urgent need for action, stating, “Anything that happens on this land affects us more than anyone else. It is unacceptable that Asaba has become a hub for these nefarious activities. Consequently, we have decided to take proactive steps to restore peace and order.”
To further address security concerns, the monarch launched Operation Know Your Tenants, mandating landlords to properly document all tenants.
“Criminals see Asaba as a safe haven. This must stop,” he warned.
“Every landlord must have proper records of their tenants so we can account for who resides where.”
Additionally, the palace will deploy a special task force to inspect guest records at hotels across Asaba.
“We will be visiting hotels to check their guest lists. The palace is already collaborating with security agencies to expose those using hotels as criminal hideouts,” he asserted.
The Asagba reaffirmed his commitment to supporting government efforts in tackling insecurity but stressed the need for traditional institutions to play an active role in safeguarding their communities.
“We stand with the government, but we must also take responsibility for our land. Asaba must not become a breeding ground for crime,” he concluded.
