“I’ve been locked here since July 3rd, 2021,” the victim revealed in a viral video that sparked outrage across Nigeria.
Residents of Etiti village in Igbo-Ukwu, Anambra State, were stunned after a young man, Chigbo, was discovered chained inside a hut for five years by his family.
Chigbo, believed by many to have travelled to Europe in 2021, was found in a frail state. In a viral video, he said, “I’ve been locked here since July 3rd, 2021.”
The shocking discovery has sparked outrage both locally and online, with calls for accountability. Initial reports suggest relatives claimed he was mentally unwell, but details remain unclear.
Police have begun investigations to determine the legality of his confinement and if charges will follow. Human rights groups condemned the act, calling it “inhumane and a violation of dignity.”
Community members expressed disbelief. “We were told he had travelled abroad, only to discover he has been suffering here in chains,” one resident said.
The case has renewed calls for stronger protections for vulnerable individuals in Nigeria.