Four communities in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have invoked ancient customs and ancestral sanctions against criminal activities, including theft, vandalism, ritual killings, kidnapping and other forms of crime.
The traditional leaders of the communities described the exercise as a collective effort to restore peace, morality and security in the area.
The declaration was made on Thursday by the traditional ruler of Enu-Uburu Autonomous Community, His Royal Highness Eze Godwin Okoro Akpandu, De Ibom Eze II, while addressing journalists at his palace in Uburu on behalf of the people of Uburu, Etiti Uburu, Enu-Uburu and Nweze Uburu communities.
According to the monarch, the decision followed extensive consultations with residents who unanimously endorsed the activation of long-standing cultural institutions and ancestral covenants to deter criminality and safeguard lives and property.
He said the traditional sanctions now apply to offences including diabolical killings, house breaking, theft, vandalism of public facilities, kidnapping, conspiracy to kidnap and other acts capable of causing insecurity within the communities.
"We have invoked the ancient customs and ancestral sanctions handed down by our forefathers against anyone who engages in theft, vandalism, ritual killings, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
"The people unanimously agreed that this was necessary to restore sanity and protect our communities," the royal father said.
Eze Akpandu explained that the exercise was carried out after a series of meetings involving the traditional institution and members of the four communities, adding that residents also contributed financially towards the traditional rites.
He noted that the sanctions were not directed at any individual but were meant to serve as a deterrent to criminal behaviour.
"Our forefathers left us these traditional institutions to preserve morality, justice and peaceful coexistence. We have only activated what has existed from time immemorial to confront the disturbing rise in criminality in our communities," he stated.
The monarch lamented what he described as increasing cases of ritual killings, vandalism of private homes, theft of public infrastructure and the use of harmful charms against innocent persons, saying such practices had eroded the moral values for which Uburu was once known.
He maintained that the cultural measures would complement efforts to promote peace and security, insisting that only those involved in criminal acts had reasons to fear the traditional sanctions.
Responding to concerns about the compatibility of the exercise with Christianity and other religions, Eze Akpandu argued that the traditional measures were consistent with universally accepted moral principles.
"Christianity condemns stealing, murder and other forms of evil. What we have done is not against any religion. It is aimed at discouraging crime and ensuring that anyone who violates our communal values faces the consequences according to our tradition," he said.
The monarch also dismissed fears that the process could be manipulated through bribery or abuse by traditional custodians, explaining that the decision involved several chief priests, elders and the collective endorsement of the communities.
"There is no room for manipulation because the process requires collective agreement. Anyone who attempts to abuse it will bear the consequences according to our customs," he added.
He clarified that the cultural exercise was unrelated to any recent death or isolated incident in the community, stressing that it was a broader initiative to address insecurity, prevent premature deaths and promote harmony.
Eze Akpandu further appealed to other communities across Ebonyi State and the South-East to strengthen legitimate cultural values that promote peace and security, arguing that traditional institutions remain important partners in community policing and crime prevention.
On the proposed Ebonyi State law to regulate landlords and tenants, the traditional ruler described the initiative as commendable but urged governments at all levels to reduce the cost of building materials and other essential commodities to make housing more affordable.
He said lowering construction costs would ultimately ease the burden on landlords and tenants alike while encouraging investment in the housing sector.
