Abia Community Bans Weapons At New Yam Festival

The Olokoro Clan in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State has issued a stern warning against the use of weapons during its annual New Yam Festival, known as Iwa Ji Ndi.

The festival is scheduled to hold on Thursday, August 15, at Ahiukwu Market, Olokoro, and will feature the traditional Ekpe dance and an honour for community son, Francis Chima.

Past celebrations have been marred by violence, resulting in injuries and fatalities. In a bid to curb this trend, the community leadership, led by Eze Boniface Izuogu, has explicitly banned the carrying of cutlasses, axes, and any other dangerous weapon. Violators face a hefty fine of N50,000 and potential arrest by local vigilantes and members of the Okonko Society. Persistent offenders will be handed over to the police for prosecution.

The ban extends to the Iri Ji celebrations, which commence on August 16 across the clan’s 17 autonomous communities. While welcoming indigenes, friends, and guests, the community has urged “troublemakers” to stay away.

“May we state categorically that the use of cutlasses and dangerous weapons of any kind is prohibited throughout the Olokoro New Yam festival,” the statement warned.

The press statement was endorsed by the Chairman of the Olokoro Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Boniface Izuogu; the President General, Dike Ezenwa; Eze Linus Onuoha; and Chris Eluwa.