The people of Etiti village in Igbo-Ukwu, Anambra State, are reeling in shock following the discovery of a young man, identified simply as Chigbo, who had been locked up and chained inside a small hut by his own family for the past five years.
The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage both online and within the local community, came to light after a video surfaced on social media showing the moment Chigbo was rescued from his place of captivity. In the now-viral footage, the visibly distressed and emaciated man can be heard saying, “I’ve been locked here since July 3rd, 2021.”
According to community sources, Chigbo was believed by friends and neighbours to have travelled to Europe in 2021, after his family reportedly told people that he had relocated abroad in search of better opportunities. Unknown to many, he was instead being held against his will just a few metres from their home.
The exact reason for his captivity is still unclear, but early reports suggest that the family members responsible claimed he was mentally ill. As a result, they allegedly decided to restrain him by chaining him inside a secluded hut behind their compound.
However, locals are questioning the motive behind the action, describing the situation as both cruel and suspicious. Many believe that even if he had a mental condition, keeping him hidden and chained for five years without seeking professional help or informing authorities is not only inhumane but criminal.
“This is not madness. This is wickedness,” said one resident who witnessed the rescue. “Even if he had mental issues, why lie to everyone that he travelled abroad? Why not take him to a hospital or a psychiatric centre?”
Eyewitnesses said Chigbo appeared weak, disoriented, and malnourished when he was brought out of the hut, but he was able to speak and clearly stated the date his confinement began. His ability to speak clearly has further cast doubt on the family’s claims about his mental health.
The discovery has since led to public outrage, with calls for law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the case and bring those responsible to justice.
“This is something we only hear in movies. For a person to be hidden like an animal for five years, and the family keeps lying that he’s in Europe? This is not just a family issue — it’s a criminal case,” said a local youth leader.
Anambra State Police Command has yet to release an official statement on the matter as of the time of this report, but sources indicate that investigations are already underway to determine who was involved in Chigbo’s confinement, under what circumstances it began, and whether any mental health diagnosis was ever made by qualified professionals.
Human rights activists in the state have also condemned the act, describing it as a gross violation of the man’s dignity and freedom.
“This case is a textbook example of how people with alleged mental health issues are mistreated and abused due to ignorance and lack of access to proper healthcare,” said a representative from a local NGO. “Even if he was unwell, the answer is not to chain him like a dog and hide him from the world.”
Calls are growing louder for the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in Anambra to intervene. Many are also asking for the government to provide immediate medical and psychological care to the victim, and ensure he receives justice.
As the investigation continues, the Etiti village community remains in shock, trying to come to terms with the reality that a young man they believed had travelled to Europe had been living in chains just a few steps away for half a decade.
