By NewsCritic Reporters
The Umuahia North Local Government Area Council of Traditional Rulers under the leadership of His Royal Majesty Eze Sir Innocent Adiele Nwaigwe, JP, on Tuesday 24th December, 2024 held a special traditional prayers session for the peace of the area, and to seek for the protection of the people of Umuahia North, especially during this yuletide season, while invoking death on kidnappers operating in the area.
In the traditional prayer session which lasted for over two hours held at the complex of Ndi Eze Umuahia North located at the premises of Umuahia North council headquarters, they declared in one accord that enough is enough, and that kidnappers, bandits and criminals who engaged in the abduction of innocent citizens of the council and or foster state of insecurity that the land will no longer accommodate them and their evil ways.
Armed with the various traditional instruments of battle, including alligator pepper, Oji Igbo, Palm wine, assorted hot drinks, salt, green leaves (Aboshi) etc used for warfare, water and virgin Olive oil, among other items, the Umuahia North monarchs visibly pained in the spirit, especially following the death of the wife of HRM Eze Sir Allen Okpokiri of Emede Ibeku Ancient Kingdom in the hands of her abductors, they invoke death and death upon the abductors who caused her death.
They pronounced maximum penalty on bandits hiding in any area of Umuahia North, saying that even the bushes will no longer keep them safe, as the bees are going to fight them out of their den until they are caught or dead. The royal fathers were specific in their fervent prayers as they asked the gods to deliver the locality of Umuahia North from violent crimes, especially during this season of celebration, and to protect the inhabitants and holiday makers.
For them Umuahia North LGA will no longer be a safe place for banditry, hence, they decreed that peace shall reign in their respective kingdoms, and that killings in the area can no longer be allowed to continue.
Also, the prayer for the protection of Abia State governor Dr Alex Otti was made by Ndi Eze, who committed the Governor and his family into the hand of God in the traditional way. They said that Gov Otti has shown capacity and vision in his leadership, and deserves their prayers for him to reign in peace and continue with his good works.
In a chat with the press at the end of the prayers, Eze Sir Innocent Adiele Nwaigwe, remarked that Ndi Eze are in great pains over the death of their Ugoeze in the hands of her abductors. He said they are calling on the ancestors to locate those who caused her death, declaring that the bushes will keep them no more.
“Our people who are coming for the yuletide will stay in peace and enjoy their holidays because there won’t be any such incident. We’ve insured our people the traditional way, we have come to fight the traditional way to end all forms of banditry in our domain. We have invoked the spirit of our ancestors against them and it’s either they flee from the forests and hand themselves over or face the wrath of the gods.
He commended Gov Otti, and described him as traditional rulers friendly, adding that even though he came into the state and met a lot of troubles, he is managing the situation well. The Chairman of Ndi Eze Umuahia North expressed confidence that the Governor will leave behind a good legacy for the traditional institution.
Among the traditional rulers who took part in the prayer were HRM Eze Sir Nwaigwe, Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, Eze E.O.I Onwubuariri, Eze Builder Charles Chionye Ngwuili, Eze Pastor Philip Ajomiwe, Eze Kingsley Alozie Emekobum, HRK Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna. Others were Eze Chiabuto Emenike, Eze Edward Ibeabuchi, Eze John Onyemachi Ibezim, Eze Iheanyichukwu Ezeigbo, Eze Paul Uzuegbu, Eze God’swill Asomugha, Eze Victor Anosike Onuoha and Eze Bobby Aguocha.
