Abia community bans use of arms, dangerous weapons during festival

The Oriendu autonomous community of Ohuhu Clan in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State has banned the use of arms or any dangerous weapon during its 2024 Iri Egwu cultural festival which will be held at Oriendu community market square.

The ban was contained in a message signed by the traditional ruler of Oriendu, HRM Eze Philip Ajomiwe, and made available to newsmen.

The statement, supported by the Council of Chiefs in Oriendu autonomous community, said the community is a peace loving community and therefore, would not tolerate any form of violence by anyone during the Iri Egwu festival.

It further assured all invited in-laws, friends and other guests of a peaceful environment, as usually witnessed in the community.

“As a peace loving community, Oriendu autonomous community will not tolerate any form of violence or the display of arms and other dangerous weapons. Be properly guided,” the traditional ruler and his cabinet warned.

A youth from Ohuhu Clan, Mr Towechi Izukwem, while reacting to the development, said the royal father and his cabinet were right in taking the step to avoid break down of law and order.

Newsmen  recalls that Governor Alex Otti has repeatedly mandated monarchs and other community leaders in the State to ensure that their domains are safe from criminal activities of any type, saying that any royal father found tolerating such would face the music.