Human Angle

Anambra Community Battles with Rising Idol Worship as Youth Abandon Churches

Published

9 hours ago

Jan 11, 2025.

Youth Abandon Churches, Embrace Idol Worship in Umuchu
Rise in Idol Worship has caused Environmental pollution
The rapid increase in idol worship can be traced back to the return of a successful indigene from abroad

In Umuchu, a town located in Aguata Local Government area of Anambra State, there has been a surge in the popularity of shrines and idol worship among the youth.

Eko Hot Blog gathered that many young people are leaving churches and turning to traditional worship, perceiving that their needs have not been met through their previous religious practices.

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It was gathered that idol worship is gaining momentum on a daily basis, as youths feel disillusioned with the lack of progress they have experienced while attending churches.

Consequently, they are seeking alternative spiritual paths, such as visiting different towns and states to bring back shrines or even becoming native doctors themselves.

The rise in idol worship has caused significant environmental issues for the community, as major streams like Ubo, Iyiushi, Iyiwoku, Iyiocha, Ayomiri, and Iyi Osu Umu have become heavily polluted due to sacrifices performed by traditional worshippers.

These rituals have led to a stinking and contaminated environment, leaving the local residents unable to fetch water from their once-vital streams and rivers.

Many indigenes now rely on boreholes to meet their water needs.

The trend of idol worship in Umuchu has affected several villages, including Amanasaa, Ibughubu, Achalla, Ugwuakwu, Umugama, and Akukwa. Notably, the youth demographic appears to be most impacted, as they claim to have experienced prosperity since embracing idol worship.

Anambra Community Battles with Rising Idol Worship as Youth Abandon Churches

According to a local resident, the rapid increase in idol worship can be traced back to the return of a successful indigene from abroad.

This individual allegedly accumulated significant wealth overseas and attributed their good fortune to the intervention of the Uchu deity.

In a show of gratitude and devotion, they constructed a storey building dedicated to the deity at the town’s market square.

This act garnered considerable attention from the town’s youth and further fueled the rise of idol worship within the community.

Some concerned indigenes have voiced their worries about the situation’s impact on Umuchu’s younger generation.

The village of Achalla in Umuchu recently made an announcement urging residents to refrain from performing sacrifices at community streams due to the negative impact on the community and its youth.

However, this declaration faced condemnation and resistance from idol worshippers who argued that it infringed upon their constitutional right to freedom of worship.

This ongoing debate may have influenced the leadership of Umuchu town, led by President General Ozo Charles Ezenwabasili, to hesitate in enforcing strict regulations on sacrifices performed in the town’s streams and rivers.

As the popularity of idol worship continues to grow in Umuchu, traditional churches such as the Catholic, Anglican, and Salvation Army have seen a decline in membership.