The chairman of Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Emmanuel Ajah, has banned all forms of public gatherings in Ihie Autonomous Community due to the rising cases of insecurity in the area.
He said the five-day ban on public gatherings began on 26 to 30 of September 2024, saying it was to safeguard lives and properties of the community.
The council boss, on Friday in a statement he signed, also banned any form of media coverage, musical entertainment, and cultural display within the stipulated period.
He said: “Due to some serious security threats to the peaceful co-existence of the people of Ihie Autonomous community and considering the rising security challenges in Ivo LGA, I regret to announce the ban on every public gathering on the 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th of September 2024.
“The ban is within any place in the autonomous community or any of the four kindreds making up the community.”
Ajah further described it as unhealthy to hold any public gathering amidst the hydra-headed crises rocking the community now, adding that the community is in a delicate moment.
He stressed that if the situation is not handled with prudence, it may snowball into a community crisis.
The council boss noted that the ban on the new yam festival of the community and other socio-cultural activities is binding on the traditional ruling council and youths in the community.
“No coronation shall take place as there is no festival holding. There shall be no cultural dance; No DJ shall play, no media coverage in any gathering, and no decoration of a place,” he disclosed.
Ajah warned that any person or group of persons who violate the security order shall be treated as an enemy of the government and shall be made to face the full weight of the law.
Insecurity: Council chairman bans public gatherings, social activities in Ebonyi community
