With the rising insecurity in the country, communities have devised ways of incorporating their traditional means of instilling good conducts to fight criminality of any form, by invoking their deities. One of the latest community to do this, is the people of Obiaruku Community in Delta State. To curb the rising waves of criminality, the Obiaruku Community, in Ukwuani Local Government of Delta State, has turned to ancient African traditional beliefs to combat the rising tide of insecurity. Within the first week of July 2024, they took a stern decision to invoke local deities to bring to an end the spate of insecurity in the community, especially kidnapping. What they did was to combine the deity of three communities in Ndokwaland, considered to be very powerful spiritual entities revered for their abilities to maintain order and justice. This extraordinary measure was taken to address the persistent attacks by criminals who disguise themselves as herdsmen, terrorizing the peaceful community. By calling upon the gods to expose and punish both external and internal perpetrators, the people of Obiaruku hope to restore peace and security to their land.
The invocation of the deities is a significant cultural act, reflecting the community’s deep-rooted belief in the power of their ancestors and spiritual forces. This ceremony aimed not only at protecting the community from external threats but also at identifying and reprimanding local collaborators who aid these criminals. The traditional leaders believe that by doing so, they can cleanse their community of treachery and strengthen communal bonds. The potential consequences of this action are profound, ranging from a renewed sense of security to possible social ostracization or divine retribution against those found guilty.
Historically, various communities across Nigeria have resorted to traditional beliefs to combat crime. In 2018, for instance, the community of Akokwa in Imo State invoked their local deity to curb kidnapping and armed robbery. The subsequent decrease in crime was attributed to the fear of divine punishment. Similarly, the town of Epe in Lagos State employed traditional rites to address a spate of burglaries in 2020, leading to a significant reduction in such incidents. These examples highlight the potential effectiveness of traditional practices in maintaining law and order.
However, the impact of criminal activities in Obiaruku has been devastating. The persistent attacks have severely disrupted agricultural activities, leading to food insecurity as farmers are afraid to work their fields. Business growth has stagnated due to the unpredictable nature of security, causing investors to withdraw and local enterprises to close. Social lives have been curtailed, with residents fearing to engage in communal activities or travel freely. The overall socio-economic fabric of the community has been strained, manifesting in increased poverty and a decline in quality of life.
The question of whether such traditional measures should be adopted as a national policy is complex. On one hand, the efficacy of these practices in specific localities suggests that they can be a powerful tool in the fight against crime. Integrating traditional beliefs into the broader security framework could provide a culturally relevant and community-driven approach to addressing insecurity. On the other hand, the diverse nature of Nigeria’s ethnic and religious composition poses a challenge to the uniform application of such measures. What works in one community may not be acceptable or effective in another.
Moreover, the reliance on traditional practices must be balanced with modern judicial processes to ensure fairness and prevent abuse. The fear of divine retribution might lead to false accusations and community tensions, undermining the very peace these practices seek to establish. Therefore, while the incorporation of traditional beliefs can be beneficial, it should complement, not replace, formal security and judicial systems.
The invocation of traditional deities in Obiaruku represents a profound intersection of culture and security. The leaders of the community should not only look at the issues of kidnapping by herdsmen and their collaborators but invoke same gods to end constant issues of cult related incidences which is very high in the community, and the neighbouring communities.
By leveraging their ancestral beliefs, the community hopes to reclaim their peace and stability. As Nigeria continues to grapple with rising insecurity, there is a compelling case for exploring the integration of traditional practices into national security strategies. However, this must be done with caution, ensuring that such measures enhance, rather than hinder, justice and societal harmony. The experience of Obiaruku could serve as a valuable model, illustrating both the potential and limitations of traditional approaches in contemporary security challenges.
Emmanuel Ochonogor Enebeli, Anipr, CEO, Entrepreneur, Public Relations Consultant and Media Strategist, enebelli@hotmail.com, +234 (806) 331 9057
