Three communities that make up the Osah Ibeku in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State have banned the use of illegal drugs including Mkpurumiri, during this year’s Igba Ekpe festival in the three autonomous communities.
The use or brandishing of weapons has also been banned by the traditional rulers of Osah, Ohabiri Umuchime na Amanso and Eziama na Mgbaja autonomous communities.
In a widely circulated information signed by Eze Joshua Akomas of Osah, Eze Abel Iheanyichukwu (Ochima 1) of Ohabiri Umuchime na Amanso autonomous community and Eze Chiabuotu Emelike of Eziama na Mgbaja autonomous community, the traditional rulers and other communities leaders advised indigenes and other guests to conduct themselves peacefully as they enjoy they Ekpe festival.
The monarchs noted that their lands have been peaceful, saying that the peace and security being enjoyed by the people should not be disturbed.
The joint message read in part:
“We wish to state categorically that the practice of cultism, sales of hard drugs like Indian Hemp, Mkpurumiri etc would not be tolerated.
“However, the carrying of machetes, guns, and bottled drinks is prohibited as offenders would be dealt with and there is a fine of fifty thousand naira for offenders”, the royal fathers warned.
Many monarchs of various autonomous communities in Abia have been taking proactive measures to ensure crime-free environments in their areas, especially during the festive periods.
Charmingpro recalls that Governor Alex Otti, had, in his new year broadcast, reiterated his warning to traditional rulers and other community leaders against allowing their domains be used to commit crimes, warning that anyone found harbouring criminals would face the music.