Since the beginning of September, claims of penis theft have been spreading rapidly through Nigeria, starting in Calabar in the southeast of the country. Such panics, where men believe their genitals have been magically stolen, often when they shake hands with someone, have a long history in Africa. They have also occurred in Singapore and other parts of Asia, where they are known as “shook yang” or Koro, and similar allegations turn up in European witchcraft cases going back to the mediæval period.
According to someone named Chibuike, described as a “spare parts dealer” by local newspaper , penisanyone whose genital is stolen would die a few days after. More people will fall victim if something drastic is not done by the authorities to stop the ugly state of events in the city.” Blessing Ngi, a resident of Calabar South, is reported as saying, “It happened in my area this morning. Someone lost his penis, and it took severe beating of the snatcher before he returned the organ,” adding that, “People now put bitter kola in their pockets or hold their private organs tightly while walking on the street or inside commercial vehicles. The price of bitter kola has gone up because of the high demand.” Alligator peppers were also claimed to protect against penis theft. Local police stepped in to calm the situation after an angry mob had gathered to lynch two youths when a man claimed he had felt his penis disappear as he shook hands with them. According to a witness, he immediately raised an alarm, then removed his trousers: “What he saw was smaller than a grain of rice and there were no testicles too”. Police spokesperson Irene Ugbo said: “Have you seen anyone whose private part was stolen? Bring him here for medical examination. People should discountenance the rumours and go about their normal businesses.”
