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Community News
Abia's Ebem Ohafia community bans illicit drug use, cultism, gun violence
Written By: Chisom Onyibe
14 Jan 2026 11:52 AM
Ohafia, Abia – In a bold move to combat rising criminal activities and promote safety, the Ebem Ohafia community in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State has imposed comprehensive bans on hard drugs, cultism, gun violence, and related offenses.
The directives aim to eradicate illicit substances and antisocial behaviors that have plagued the area, signaling a community-led push for peace and accountability.
The resolution was jointly issued by the Ebem Ohafia Youths, the Central Executive Council of the Ebem Ohafia Development Union (EODU), and supported by the Ebem Council of Chiefs and Elders.
According to a statement from Publicity Secretary Mr. Ifeanyi Okali, the bans prohibit the sale, use, consumption, and trafficking of hard drugs and other illicit substances within the community.
Cultism, fighting with weapons, brandishing firearms, and firing gunshots are also strictly outlawed, with offenders facing handover to security agencies, heavy fines, and additional community sanctions regardless of their status.
"The community has also issued a final warning on cultism, directing all persons involved to renounce such activities or face severe community sanctions and prosecution," the statement read.
It further warned criminal elements using Ebem Ohafia as a hideout to vacate immediately, adding that any indigene found harboring such individuals would be held accountable.
Additional measures target public order in key areas.
Traders along Ebem Police Station/Court Road and in the Ebem Daily Market are forbidden from obstructing gutters, walkways, or free zones, with violations resulting in immediate impoundment of goods.
In a unique accountability twist, family compounds (Ndi Ikwu) will be held responsible for defaulters in their jurisdictions, potentially facing suspensions from hosting ceremonies.
The initiative comes amid broader concerns about cultism and drug-related violence in southeastern Nigeria.
While Ebem Ohafia's actions are community-specific, similar issues have been reported in neighboring states like Delta and Anambra, where bans and crackdowns on cult activities have been enforced.
Local leaders emphasize that strict enforcement will be "uncompromising," calling on residents and visitors to comply fully.
This community-driven effort reflects growing grassroots initiatives across Nigeria to address security gaps, potentially inspiring similar actions elsewhere in Abia State and beyond.
Authorities have not yet commented on state-level support for the bans, but observers note that such local measures could complement ongoing government anti-drug and anti-cultism campaigns.
The directives aim to eradicate illicit substances and antisocial behaviors that have plagued the area, signaling a community-led push for peace and accountability.
The resolution was jointly issued by the Ebem Ohafia Youths, the Central Executive Council of the Ebem Ohafia Development Union (EODU), and supported by the Ebem Council of Chiefs and Elders.
According to a statement from Publicity Secretary Mr. Ifeanyi Okali, the bans prohibit the sale, use, consumption, and trafficking of hard drugs and other illicit substances within the community.
Cultism, fighting with weapons, brandishing firearms, and firing gunshots are also strictly outlawed, with offenders facing handover to security agencies, heavy fines, and additional community sanctions regardless of their status.
"The community has also issued a final warning on cultism, directing all persons involved to renounce such activities or face severe community sanctions and prosecution," the statement read.
It further warned criminal elements using Ebem Ohafia as a hideout to vacate immediately, adding that any indigene found harboring such individuals would be held accountable.
Additional measures target public order in key areas.
Traders along Ebem Police Station/Court Road and in the Ebem Daily Market are forbidden from obstructing gutters, walkways, or free zones, with violations resulting in immediate impoundment of goods.
In a unique accountability twist, family compounds (Ndi Ikwu) will be held responsible for defaulters in their jurisdictions, potentially facing suspensions from hosting ceremonies.
The initiative comes amid broader concerns about cultism and drug-related violence in southeastern Nigeria.
While Ebem Ohafia's actions are community-specific, similar issues have been reported in neighboring states like Delta and Anambra, where bans and crackdowns on cult activities have been enforced.
Local leaders emphasize that strict enforcement will be "uncompromising," calling on residents and visitors to comply fully.
This community-driven effort reflects growing grassroots initiatives across Nigeria to address security gaps, potentially inspiring similar actions elsewhere in Abia State and beyond.
Authorities have not yet commented on state-level support for the bans, but observers note that such local measures could complement ongoing government anti-drug and anti-cultism campaigns.
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