By CHIDI NKWOPARA

OWERRI — The traditional ruler of Ochia autonomous community in Ohaji/Egbema local council area of Imo State, Eze Ekwueme Ekwueme, has raised alarm over the sordid activities of cultists in his domain.

The royal father, who made the lamentation while speaking with newsmen in Owerri, also revealed that most indigenes of the area were now living in exile as a result of the nefarious activities of the rampaging cultists.

Vanguard investigations revealed that the cultists have destroyed the palace of the traditional ruler, as well as some other family homes of prominent indigenes of the area.

“Nowhere is safe in my community now. Government and the security agencies should please, come to our assistance,” Eze Ekwueme pleaded.

Confirming that he had also been sacked by the cultists from his domain, the royal father said most indigenes of the community could not go back to their ancestral home for fear of being attacked by the cultists.

“Some of these cultists have been arrested by the police but their loyalists and acolytes within the community are still unleashing mayhem on innocent people,” Eze Ekwueme said.

Continuing, the traditional ruler lamented that following the activities of these dare devil cultists, his people who were mainly farmers, could no longer feel free and safe to go to their farms.

“Most of our people, who are mainly farmers, cannot go to their farms for fear of being attacked by these cultists. Hunger has sadly engulfed the community, while those who cannot withstand the danger and hunger have since relocated to other places.

“I voluntarily went into exile no because I am a coward but because I do not want to spill blood in my community. I am on exile because   I want to ensure that a stage for war that would waste innocent lives is no set in the area,” the royal father explained.

Responding to the myriad of accusations leveled against him by a group of women that stormed Government House, Owerri, Eze Ekwueme said he was innocent of the alleged charges.

Vanguard recalls that the Chief of Staff, Sir Jude Ejiogu, who now doubles as Commissioner for Special Duties, urged the women to remain peaceful as government would carefully look into their complaint as soon as possible.