Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Traditional rulers in Ekoli, Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have banished the Town Union President, Mr. Kalu Ama Mba, for 10 years over his alleged role in the escalating violence in the community.
The monarchs also imposed a fine of ₦300 million and a live local cow on Mba, to be presented after his banishment as part of traditional cleansing rites.
The decision was announced in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting convened by the traditional council in response to the ongoing killings and destruction of properties in the community.
The latest incident occurred on Wednesday, when Udu Nnachi Uzor was reportedly killed and properties destroyed. His wife, Onyinye, a nursing mother, alleged that the assailants were members of a political group known as Catcham Boys, numbering about 20. She further claimed that they were accompanied by soldiers and police officers who stormed their residence at midday.
“They moved straight into the room and shot him dead. He was shot by one of the Catcham members known as ‘Deri,” she alleged.
She disclosed that her husband’s remains had been deposited in the morgue and called on authorities to ensure the killers are brought to justice.
The traditional rulers accused Mba of backing the group, alleging that Catcham Boys, with his support, have been responsible for multiple killings and acts of violence in the area.
The statement, signed by HRH Etta Egor Akanu (Chairman, Ekoli Edda Traditional Council), HRH Peter Ibeze, HRH Dick Ibiam Ama, HRH Egbeke Idika, and Chief Thomas Ama, declared that the community had been in turmoil since Mba assumed office as town union president.
“As part of our resolutions, we declare Kalu Ama Mba banished from Ekoli Edda for 10 years. He is to pay ₦300 million as general damages for the crisis and provide a live local cow for cleansing and atonement after serving the banishment,” the council stated.
The monarchs also expressed confidence in the former local government chairman, Barr. Eni Uduma Chima, dismissing the reported banishment issued against him by Mba and his allies.
“With one voice, we declare a 100% vote of confidence in Barr. Eni Uduma Chima for his unwavering support and defense of Ekoli Edda and its territorial integrity,” the statement said.
They described Eni as “one in a million,” adding that “when the Axis of Evil deserted and betrayed us, Eni remained steadfast.”
The council called on the Ebonyi State Government and the public to disregard the purported banishment of Chima, labeling it an act of envy and mischief by enemies of progress.
“The council, therefore, declares the said banishment null, void, and of no effect,” the statement concluded.
