Hundreds of youths and women in Umuoba Anam community in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State have embarked on nude protest against their traditional ruler, Igwe G.A. Ekwealor, who they accuse of allegedly supporting the activities of herdsmen in the area.

The protesters claimed that their action was meant to appease the gods following what they described as debasement of their land by their traditional ruler, who allegedly allowed Fulani herdsmen into their community where they have been causing untold hardship for the people, especially farmers.

The monarch, however, denied the allegation, saying that he had no hand in bringing the herdsmen to Umuoba Anam community.

Addressing journalists in Awka, Chairman of Anambra East Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Alex Edozieuno, who is the traditional ruler of Mkpunabo Kingdom, said that when the matter was brought to the council, it was deliberated upon and Igwe Ekwealor was subsequently absolved of any wrong doing.

Igwe Edozieuno said the council also invited elders of the community who condemned the protesters and urged them to appease the gods for their action.

He harped on the importance of peace and stability in all the communities in the local government, bearing in mind that it is Governor Willie Obiano’s local government.

Meanwhile, Igwe Edozieuno observed that traditional rulers in the area had waded into a dispute between Igbariam and Nando, in which people from the two communities allegedly resorted to stealing farm crops of each other at night.

According to him, the two communities have been advised to only harvest their crops two times a week in broad daylight to avoid theft.

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