They accused their traditional ruler, Igwe G.A. Ekwealor of complicity in bringing the herdsmen to the community. The protesters alleged that the presence of the herdsmen in their community had caused them untold hardship.
Leader of the women, Agnes Chiazo, said, “These herdsmen destroy our livelihood, our marriages as they rape some women who go to farm. Some of such women are being stigmatised in their different families. So, we are saying enough of this.
Our traditional ruler should stop harbouring them. He should stop bringing them to this community. We don’t know what he is gaining by harbouring those who would rape, kill and destroy the property of his subjects.”
Their ruler had, however, denied having any hand in bringing the herdsmen to the community.
He said the protesters committed sacrilege (by going nude during their protest) and would be compelled to appease the gods for defiling the land.
Speaking, the chairman of Anambra East Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Alex Edozieuno, and traditional ruler of Mkpunabo Kingdom, Aguleri Otu, told journalists in Awka that when the matter was brought to the council’s attention, it absolved Ekwealor Ofany of any culpability in the case.
Edozieuno said in their meeting, which took place at traditional rulers’ secretariat at Otuocha, that it was necessary for the women to appease the gods in order to avert any form of calamity.
“The traditional rulers, after looking into the matter, resolved that the protesters should appease to the gods of Umuoba Anam within two weeks to avoid calamity visiting the community,” he stressed.
Edozieuno pointed out that elders of the community had condemned the protesters and passed judgment on them.
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