At least 10 people were injured and several hospitalised after police disrupted a New Yam Festival in Ihie village, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The festival, held on 29th September, is an annual tradition in the Ishiagu Autonomous Community.
Eyewitnesses report that the event was in full preparation when a team of heavily armed policemen arrived in five branded vans, destroying festival arrangements, including sound systems, chairs, and canopies. The police also seized ceremonial cannon guns.
Chaos ensued as the officers teargassed women preparing food and fired canisters at homes. Peculiar Ajah, a young lady receiving medical treatment, recounted her ordeal: “I was on a drip in bed when the teargas filled our home. I nearly suffocated.”
Leonard Ekeh, a 77-year-old resident, condemned the police action, describing it as a violation of the community’s culture.
“At my age, I fear no one. I am ready to die for my people,” he stated, calling on the Commissioner of Police to investigate.
President General Ume Cletus accused the village’s traditional ruler of instigating the police intervention due to ongoing internal conflicts.
However, the police spokesperson, DSP Joshua Ukandu, claimed he was unaware of the incident but promised to investigate.
The disruption came shortly after the local government imposed a ban on all activities due to security concerns.
