By Ovat Abeng
Nawfia community in Njikoka local government area of Anambra State, has announced the suspension of one of the major Igbo cultural festival, “Igu Aro until further notice over increase gunmen attacks.
This, according to a statement was to forestall further loss of lives as “perpetrators of these evil acts are still devising further measures to cause pains on innocent residents of the town.
The statement signed by the Traditional ruler of the community, His Royal Highness, Igwe Daniel Ogochukwu Obelle, reiterated that the decision was in line with a wide range consultation between stakeholders as well as the traditional council of Nawfia kingdom.
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Obelle said “following the series of insecurities experienced between September 9th, 2024, 5th October, 2924 and the recently attack in December 7th, 2925 that tragically claimed four promising young men in our community, the Igwe in Council and the entire people of Nawfia has suspended the most notable cultural festival, “Igu Aro in the area for the year 2026 to mourn our brothers who were murdered in these incidences.
The festival was initially scheduled to hold in January 2nd, 2026.
“This decision to suspend the cultural festival is to protect the lives and properties of Nawfia residents irrespective of tribe, ethic and religion affiliations.
The increase gunmen attacks in my community without any reported arrest of the evil-doers.
“Nawfia people both in home and abroad are very sad about what is happening in our community.
“We have experience this insecurities since September 9th, 2024 to date without any arrest of the perpetrators. This is worrisome, but we doing our best to restore confidence in our people.
“We are working tirelessly with the Police and DSS to ensure that those attacking our peaceful community are brought to book.
“The state governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo has done tremendously well in all the sectors including security, but there are still gabs he need to filled at the grassroot to curb the sleepless situation. The state-owned security outfits (Agunechemba and Udogachi) need total overhauling. The state government should recruit the right personnel with a living wages, trained them properly, equip them with skills and enforce discipline, with all this measures, I believe the issue of insecurity in Nawfia and the entire Anambra State will become a thing of the past,” the Monarch concluded.
