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Tradition, myth and the health risk
Related to country: Nigeria

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Once in a while around a typical street intersect in Benin City Edo State, one would find such disgusting content as the corpses of dead animals like a little dog’s, a little goat’s, or rabbit’s. It could be just the body parts of these animals cut in pieces and placed in a container usually a native pot. It could be mixed with other stuff like cowries, metal coins, native chalks, palm oil etc.

It was believed by some people that these were sacrifices done to appease some strange spirits from who knows where. But to think this could still be done at this day and age is baffling and more baffling is the fact that it is still being done secretly by even the well educated and some elite in the society.

It wouldn’t be worrying if the content of this decomposition is properly disposed of adequately. But instead it is left on the public street for everyone to see such disgusting sight and perhaps to enjoy the ravaging smell of the decaying corpses of animals.

Such sacrifices are usually placed on the street intersections in the dead of the night.
I sought to know the rational behind this habit and came to the funny conclusion that it was always done for spiritual protection by those who had sought the services of witch doctors.

The witch doctors though inconspicuous are still very much patronized by the elites in the society. Such services are usually at their peaks during festive seasons and during election periods, when these so called “well to do” need favours from the gods in whatever form which money can not buy.

It would not be disgusting enough if it were to be done in their private houses, where it is not allowed to pose any health risks to innocent citizens. For it to be placed on the street corner, which is being used by the general public is quite barbaric, backward and it poses some health risks to the society.

Health inspectors/officials from the local government are good for nothing and could be better described as figure heads.


September 27, 2008 | 8:31 AM Comments  0 comments

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