In Imo Awkwa, a community in Anambra state,

It is considered taboo to ki.ll an enwe(monkey).

The people of this community considered the monkeys sacred.

According to the history passed on from generation to generation.

It was said that in the past, the Imo Awka people had a land dispute with a neighbouring town regarding the ownership of land.

The neighbouring town sent their warriors to lay ambush on Imo Awka people.

The Imo awka's deity sent its emissaries to go and alert the villagers.

The monkeys went in their numbers roaming around the village and making signs.

The Imo Awka elders on seeing that movement, thought there was more to it.

A diviner was called upon and he told the villagers what was coming.

The monkeys led them to the enem.ies camp and they got rid of the ene.mies.

With this act, the Imo Awka people made a covenant with the deity.

From that day henceforth they agreed that the black and white striped species of monkeys were sacred.

Till date, those monkeys live kingly in Imo Awka.

Anyone who mistakenly kil.ls it must give it a befitting burial.

If one kil.ls it intentionally, they are made to dance the dance of the spirit and must perform a certain rite to appease the land,

Offenders are usually banished or ostracized.

This culture is similar to the same culture practised in Amurri, Nkanu of Enugu state.

Igbo history