Members of the Ohagi family in Amakohia Ihitte Uboma, Imo State, have been thrown into fear, following alleged threat to their lives over the eldest son’s refusal to continue with their late father’s traditional religion of idol worshipping.

The family’s travail reportedly began in 2013 when its head, Chijieze Ohagi , who was the village’s Chief Priest, died, thereby saddling his eldest son, Nnamdi, with the responsibility of inheriting the mantle of Chief Priest.

Nnamdi reportedly refused to bow to the age long custom, maintaining that it was against his Christian belief.

Tension, according to his elder sister, Ada, heightened in 2014, when Nnamdi was kidnapped on his way home and subjected to unspeakable violence. She stated that he was freed by his captors after agreeing to return home and accept the role of the Chief Priest, or allow his younger brother, Victor , occupy the position in his stead.

Out of fear, the brothers reportedly fled their native land .

Speaking on the family’s ordeal, Ada, in an emotionally laden tone said, “Our lives are in danger. Our hearts carry an unbearable burden. My brothers are in constant danger and I worry for their safety with each passing day. The battle for faith made us lose our sister and turned us into orphans. I cannot bear to lose my brothers.”

In a heartfelt plea to the media and society at large, Ada, called for an end to the continuation of what she described as ancient practices, that “our world is evolving, We must confront traditions that threaten lives. Every individual has an inherent right to choose his religion without fear, violence, or persecution, I lost my father, mother and sister, I can’t bear the pain of losing my brothers.

“My family’s harrowing journey highlights the clash between deeply ingrained cultural traditions and personal faith, underscoring the urgency of respecting individual choices in our diverse society.

“I dream of a future where freedom of religion is protected and celebrated. A future where my brothers will return home unharmed, and where the shadow of tradition will no longer cast a menacing pall”, she said in tears. (Vanguard)

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