The traditional rulers of Ekoli-Edda in Edda Local Government Area have banished the town union president, Kalu Ama Mba, for a period of 10 years and imposed a staggering fine of N300 million, along with the demand for a live local cow for atonement.
The decision, announced after an emergency meeting of the Ekoli-Edda Traditional Council, follows a wave of violence, killings, and destruction that has gripped the community in recent weeks. The monarchs accused Mba of fueling the unrest and backing a notorious local group known as the “Catcham Boys,” who have been linked to multiple acts of violence in the area.
Tensions reached a boiling point this week with the brutal killing of Udu Nnachi Uzor, allegedly by members of the Catcham Boys. His wife, Onyinye, a nursing mother, recounted the terrifying moment when armed men, accompanied by security operatives, stormed their home in broad daylight. She claimed they asked for her husband, stormed into their room, and shot him dead on the spot. According to her, the fatal shot was fired by a member of the gang identified as “Deri.” The grieving widow has since called for justice, urging the authorities to arrest and prosecute those responsible for her husband’s murder.
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The traditional rulers, led by HRH Etta Egor Akanu and supported by HRH Peter Ibeze, HRH Dick Ibiam Ama, HRH Egbeke Idika, and Chief Thomas Ama, stated in their communique that the Catcham Boys have become a deadly menace in Ekoli-Edda and alleged that their actions were emboldened by the backing of the town union president. They noted that the community has known no peace since Mba assumed leadership and insisted his continued stay in office poses a threat to communal harmony.
Declaring him persona non grata, the monarchs ruled that Mba is to remain banished for a decade and must pay N300 million as general damages for his alleged role in the ongoing crisis. They also ordered that he must present a live local cow for cleansing and spiritual atonement after the expiration of the banishment.
The developments have sent ripples across Ebonyi State, raising questions about community leadership, political violence, and the role of traditional institutions in restoring peace.
