Amid the increasing incidents of kidnapping and other criminal activities in Enugu, particularly in the Ezike communities of Igboeze North Local Government Area, the residents have turned to their traditional deities and ancestors, seeking intervention against the perpetrators of these heinous acts.
Enugu-Ezike, a town known for practising magic and indigenous religion, has become a home to all manner of criminals, including unknown gunmen, kidnappers, ritualists, and rapists.
To stem the tide of the criminalities, on Wednesday, one Igwe Stone and other prominent sons of the town gathered in the community, where they performed rituals and hurled curses at the people who have made Enugu-Ezike, a forbidden place.
Known for its palm wine production, the community is the largest local government area in Enugu State.
The invocation was also rained on persons involved in witchcraft, swindling, destiny snatching, among others in the area.
According to SaharaReporters, the event which was witnessed by a large turnout of natives, was held at Ogrute Roundabout, near the council headquarters.
Prominent natives of the multi-autonomous communities include Senator Ayogu Eze, Ambassador Fidel Ayogu, Chief Emeka Mama, Hon. Simon Atigwe, and Hon. Dennis Agbo among others.
Meanwhile, the state police command has advised travellers in the state and other Nigerians to plan well for Yuletideâs travels and expenditures.
The spokesperson for the state police command, Daniel Ndukwe, who gave the warning in a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, also warned against night travel.
Ndukwe urged travellers to travel through a known transportation company while ensuring they register their details on the manifest.
âIf you travel by public transport, ensure you travel through a known transportation company.
âDonât forget to record your name and details on the travel manifest and send details of the vehicle you travel in to a loved one,â he said.
To those travelling in their private vehicles, Ndukwe charged them to ensure such vehicles are properly serviced and maintained.
âExcept extremely unavoidable, avoid night travels. Donât travel through unfamiliar paths.
âAs much as possible, get a security travel advisory on the path you travel and on your destination,â he advised.
The police spokesman enjoined the people to be prudent and not profligate as they celebrate.
âDonât overspend and end up selling off your property just to raise funds to start life again, thereby blaming âvillage peopleâ. Donât do things to impress or oppress anyone. Celebrate moderately.
âAs you travel, make sure you lock up and secure the home youâre leaving behind, so you donât come back to meet a burgled home.
âEnsure youâve got the number of the police command youâre travelling to and the ones youâll pass through in case of a security emergency.
âLastly, plan, plan, and plan your yuletide again. Do everything in moderation,â the statement read.