AN Anambra clergyman has taken it upon himself to set the traditional shrine of the animist deity known as Ukolo Uga ablaze in what he regards as a fight against idolatry and witchcraft. 

In what could be regarded as a highly provocative and insensitive act, the local pastor from Uga in Anambra State, set the shrine ablaze yesterday, to prevent worshippers coming there. Despite the fact that the popular shrine has served the community for decades and was a big tourist attraction, the unnamed clergyman decided to burn it to the ground. 

According to eyewitnesses, the clergyman referred to the shrine as an occult oracle that promoted idolatry and devil worship. Across Igboland where Anambra State is situated, animism is widespread and for centuries local people have communicated with their gods through deities who have shrines erected in the honour. 

Although Christianity is now the main faith in the area, there are still a large number of shrines in Igboland, including the popular Okija Shrine. Such shrines are very popular with politicians who make their protégés go there and swear allegiance to them before assuming office. 

In 2004, the Anambra State Police Command raided the Okija Shrine and found 50 decomposing or shrunken bodies and 20 human skulls in the compound. Over 30 priests were arrested as a result and other nearby shrines were also raided afterwards. 

Forensic tests established that the bodies were poisoned with chemicals and that the priests had taken the property of the victims from their homes and shared the loot among themselves. As a result of the raid, the shrine was subsequently rededicated to Jesus Christ as the only God for all Okija people.