Tension as Police disrupt new yam festival in Ebonyi community

A team of Nigerian Police officers, led by Ivo Divisional Police Officer Bethel Amah, disrupted the New Yam festival celebration in Ihie community, located in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, on Sunday.

The festival, traditionally held on September 29 each year, was halted as police used tear gas on men, women, and children preparing for the event.

Eyewitnesses reported that the police, including a ‘Crack team,’ stormed the venue, scattering canisters of tear gas to stop the celebration.

Journalists at the scene were also warned to stay away, with claims that Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru had ordered no festivals to be held.

The police reportedly confiscated cannon guns and disrupted preparations, including destroying canopies, chairs, and seizing a generator belonging to the event’s musical entertainer.

Tear gas affected several homes, including that of a sick teenager on a drip, and a nursing mother, leaving residents to scramble for safety.

When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, stated that he was unaware of the police actions.

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