Traditional rulers in Ekoli, Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have banished the community’s town union president, Mr Kalu Ama Mba, for a period of 10 years, citing his alleged role in escalating violent unrest in the area.
In addition to the banishment, the monarchs imposed a N300 million fine on Mba and mandated that he present a local cow for ritual cleansing and atonement at the end of his exile.
This decision was disclosed in a statement issued by the traditional council following an emergency meeting convened to address the ongoing violence and destruction in the community, which has reportedly claimed several lives.
The latest incident occurred on Wednesday with the killing of one Udu Nnachi Uzor and the destruction of properties. Uzor’s wife, Onyinye—who is a nursing mother—alleged that a group known as the ‘Catcham Boys’, consisting of about 20 members, was responsible for the attack. She further claimed that the assailants were accompanied by armed soldiers and police officers who stormed their residence around noon, asking for her husband before executing him. According to her, the fatal shot was fired by a known member of the group named ‘Deri’.
The traditional council, chaired by HRH Etta Egor Akanu and co-signed by HRH Peter Ibeze, HRH Dick Ibiam Ama, HRH Egbeke Idika, and Chief Thomas Ama, accused the town union president of offering tacit support to the violent group. They stated that Mba’s leadership tenure had plunged the community into unrelenting conflict and bloodshed.
The council unanimously resolved that Mba be removed as town union president with immediate effect, describing his continued stay in office as a threat to peace and security in Ekoli. They insisted that the penalties imposed are necessary to restore order, cleanse the land, and serve as a deterrent to others.
