CurrentReport Blog In a recent incident that has sparked outrage among the indigenes of Awka, a middle-aged man was arrested for killing a monkey, a sacred animal in the Awka kingdom. The incident highlights the deep-rooted cultural beliefs and practices surrounding the treatment of monkeys in the region.
Monkeys hold a special significance in the Awka kingdom, where they are revered as sacred animals. The killing of a monkey is considered a sacrilegious act, as it goes against the spiritual beliefs and traditions of the community.
The Awka indigenes observe a festival dedicated to the worship of Imo Awka god, whose shrine is located in the Amaenyi area of the town. Monkeys are integral to these religious ceremonies and are often regarded as messengers of the gods.
It is not uncommon to see monkeys freely roaming around people’s compounds in Awka, as they are seen as part of the natural environment and are not subjected to harassment.
The man who was arrested confessed in a viral video that he had set a trap in the bush with the intention of catching other bush meat for consumption. However, he inadvertently trapped a monkey instead. Despite his plea for leniency, he was apprehended by the community members.
