The Ebem Ohafia community in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State has imposed a sweeping ban on hard drugs, cultism, violence, and other criminal activities, warning that violators will face stiff sanctions, including prosecution and expulsion from the area.
The decision, reached by Ebem Ohafia youths in collaboration with the central executive council of the Ebem Ohafia Development Union on Tuesday, was said to have the full backing of the Ebem Council of Chiefs and Elders.
The new security measures were announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the community’s Publicity Secretary, Ifeanyi Okali, amid growing concerns over insecurity and criminal activities in the area.
The statement said the sale, use, and trafficking of hard drugs and other illicit substances have been outrightly prohibited in Ebem Ohafia, with the community vowing to impose heavy fines and disciplinary measures on offenders, regardless of their social status.
The community also issued what it described as a “final warning” to cultists, directing all those involved in cult-related activities to immediately renounce them or face severe community sanctions and possible prosecution.
“All criminal elements using Ebem Ohafia as a hideout are hereby ordered to vacate the community immediately,” the statement said.
“Any indigene found harbouring such persons will be held accountable.”
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Furthermore, the community banned fighting with weapons, brandishing of firearms and sporadic gunshots, warning that offenders would be handed over to security agencies, fined heavily and subjected to additional traditional sanctions.
The statement added that Ndi Ikwu (family compounds) would be held responsible for the actions of defaulters within their areas, including the suspension of their right to host social ceremonies where necessary.
Traders operating along the Ebem Police Station/Court Road and within the Ebem Daily Market were also warned against blocking gutters, walkways and designated free zones, as goods would be impounded immediately for any violation.
“The Ebem Ohafia community calls on all residents and visitors to comply strictly with these directives, as enforcement will be firm and uncompromising,” Okali said.
The move comes as communities across Abia State increasingly resort to local security measures amid persistent concerns over drug abuse, cult-related violence and rising criminality.
