Community bans cutlass, weapons during new yam festival in Abia

The Olokoro Clan in Umuahia South LGA of Abia State has warned against the use of cutlasses and other dangerous weapons at the 2024 annual Iwa Ji Ndi Olokoro Clan; new yam festival.

The ceremony is slated for Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Ahiukwu Olokoro, in Abia state.

The community, in a press release, stated that the use of cutlasses and other dangerous weapons of any kind has been prohibited. 

They warned that any individual caught with weapons would be arrested by the local vigilante and would be required to pay a fine of N50,000.

In addition to the fine, the press release, signed by the Chairman of the Olokoro Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Boniface Izuogu; President General Dike Ezenwa; Eze Linus Onuoha; and Chris Eluwa, indicated that any arrested individual would be handed over to the police for prosecution.

The community warned troublemakers to stay away from the area throughout Iwa Ji and the Iri Ji celebrations, which will commence on August 16 in various autonomous communities of the clan.

They noted that indigenes, friends, and guests would be welcomed into the community and celebrated in peace.

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