Michika (Adamawa) — Many residents of Michika town in Adamawa State now carry pieces of charcoal in their pockets as traditional protection for their genitals against alleged ritualists.

Reports say that there are  growing incidents of people raising alarm that they have lost their genitals after body contact with some strangers in the town.

Four people are in police custody, with two of them on admission in hospital, after a mob attack following allegations that they were part of the gang of ritualists that had invaded Michika, robbing people of their manhood.

The  Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mr Akila Jared, who confirmed the development, said he had called a meeting of traditional rulers in the area to discuss the issue.

Akila urged the people of Michika to remain calm and not to take laws into their hands.

At the Michika General Hospital, Mr Zira Tumba, one of the suspects receiving treatment from injuries sustained from a mob, said he was innocent. “I am a driver from Lassa in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

“I came to Michika this morning looking for one Malam Jauro to deliver a message when somebody I did not even talk to shouted and pointed at me, saying that I stole his genitals and instantly a mob descended on me. I am innocent. Please help  me,” Zira, who was chained to his hospital bed by the police, pleaded.

Dr. Mshelia, who attended to three of the victims that claimed to have lost their genitals at the hospital, however, said, “I examined them and their organs are normal. It is just a psychological problem.”