A disturbing case of alleged abuse has rattled Etiti village in Igbo-Ukwu, Anambra State, after a young man identified as Chigbo was discovered chained and locked inside a hut for five years by his own family members.
Chigbo, who was widely believed by friends and relatives to have travelled to Europe in 2021, was recently found in a frail state after years of isolation. A viral video capturing the moment of his rescue showed him expressing relief, stating, “I’ve been locked here since July 3rd, 2021.”
The shocking discovery has provoked outrage across the community and online, with residents demanding accountability and swift justice. Many described the incident as a gross violation of human dignity.
Initial reports suggest that family members confined Chigbo under the claim that he was mentally unwell. However, the circumstances leading to his detention, and the identities of all those involved, remain unclear.
Authorities have since begun investigations to determine the legality of his confinement and whether criminal charges will follow.
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The case has also drawn attention to broader concerns about the treatment of people living with mental health conditions in Nigeria. Human rights advocates have long condemned the practice of chaining individuals, describing it as inhumane and damaging to both physical and psychological health.
As investigations continue, residents of Etiti village remain shaken by the revelation. “We were told he had travelled abroad, only to discover he has been suffering here in chains,” one community member said.
For now, the young man is safe, but the disturbing discovery has ignited renewed calls for stronger protection of vulnerable persons and stricter enforcement against acts of unlawful confinement in the country.