Operatives of the Nigerian Army and the police in the South-East region have allegedly launch manhunt for notable herbalists spiritually fortifying suspected Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) members.
It was gathered that the army and police operatives without detailed investigation have arrested at least four herbalists and local priests in Abia, Anambra, and Imo states in the last one week, killing one of them.
According to SaharaReporters, the security agencies’ clampdown on herbalists and traditional priests in the last two weeks is linked to the allegation that IPOB and ESN members use metaphysical powers provided by the herbalists to evade arrests and kill military personnel.
A top source said, “A popular native doctor in Nguru, Mbaise in Imo State, popularly known as Duru Azubuike, was killed by a joint military and police team on Saturday, June 12.
“Azubuike was a respected herbalist. After his death, the police went to Anambra State and arrested two other herbalists. The herbalists were usually at the Njaba River Banks and conducted various local sacrifices for residents. They had nothing to do with IPOB and ESN.
“The police claimed without any evidence that the native doctors prepare charms for ESN and IPOB men.”
It was learnt that the army and police joint operation not satisfied with that, went to Ohafia community and arrested two other herbalists said to be working for the ESN and IPOB.
Recall that in May reported that the Nigerian military had drafted reinforcement troops from some of its formations fighting insurgency in Borno State to join the troops in the South-East region over the military’s clash with IPOB and ESN operatives.
President Muhammadu Buhari had about a month ago held a meeting with the service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, telling them to adopt certain security measures in the South-East and the South-South geopolitical zones of the country.