The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old self-proclaimed native doctor following the tragic death of his client during a test of a bulletproof charm. The incident took place on August 20 in Onumu Community, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
According to a statement released by the State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Moses Yamu, the deceased, identified as Alex Ezekiel, had approached the native doctor to obtain a charm that was supposed to protect him from gunshots and cutlass attacks. After preparing the charm, the native doctor attempted to prove its effectiveness by shooting Ezekiel.
“One Alex Ezekiel, now deceased, went to the ‘native doctor’ to get the charms prepared for him,” Yamu explained. “After preparing the charms, the native doctor tried to test the efficacy of the charm by shooting the deceased with a gun. Unfortunately, the deceased sustained fatal injuries and was rushed to Ifejola Hospital, Igarra, where he was certified dead by a medical doctor.”
The incident has generated outrage and concern within the community, as many are shocked by the tragic outcome of what was supposed to be a test of faith in the native doctor’s abilities.
The police have taken the young native doctor into custody, and investigations are ongoing. SP Yamu assured the public that the suspect would face prosecution once the investigation is complete.
This incident highlights the dangers of relying on traditional practices without scientific backing. The community is left mourning the loss of a life cut short by misplaced trust in unproven methods.