Indigenes of Awka apprehended a middle-aged man on Wednesday for allegedly killing a monkey.
Monkeys are considered sacred animals in the entire Awka kingdom, and harming them is viewed as a sacrilegious act.
Residents of Awka celebrate a festival honoring the Imo Awka deity, with its shrine located in the Amaenyi area of the town.
Monkeys are a common sight in the kingdom, often seen jumping around in people’s compounds without any disturbance.
A man was arrested on Wednesday for killing an animal after confessing in a viral video that he has lived in Awka for 24 years and knew that the people there do not allow the killing or eating of monkeys.
He clarified that he did not mean to harm the monkey. He had set a trap in the bush to catch other animals for food, but ended up trapping the monkey instead.
He said: “I know I have committed, please do not kill me, but you can take me anywhere you want.”
After questioning him, the locals decided not to harm him. Instead, they agreed to perform rituals to appease the deity of the area due to his actions.
The origin and identity of the man were not disclosed.