July 22, 2026
EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA — The Uburu Traditional Rulers Council in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has announced a community-wide spiritual cleansing exercise, accompanied by a dawn-to-dusk curfew, following the controversial death of Mary Habila at the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.
The directive was issued by the council, led by HRH Eze Lazarus N. Umahi, elder brother of the Minister of Works. According to an official statement signed by Chief Nicholas Odi, Chief Media of the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council and President General of Eweze Uburu Autonomous Community, the traditional “Isu Arua” spiritual cleansing ceremony will take place on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
As part of the observance, a curfew will be enforced from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., during which all markets, shops, businesses, social gatherings, ceremonies, and other public activities across Uburu will remain suspended.
The council urged residents, visitors, and indigenes to fully comply with the directive, describing the exercise as a sacred tradition aimed at promoting spiritual cleansing, peace, renewal, and the rejection of societal vices.
The announcement comes amid heightened public attention over the death of Mary Habila, who died under controversial circumstances at Senator Umahi’s residence on June 27, 2026.
The incident has sparked widespread public concern and remains the subject of an ongoing police investigation. Senator Umahi has confirmed that Habila died at his residence and has maintained that there was no foul play, while supporting a forensic autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
The case has generated intense public debate, with calls from various quarters for a transparent and independent investigation. Reports surrounding the circumstances of Habila’s death have continued to attract national attention, making the traditional council’s announcement of a community-wide spiritual cleansing a significant development.
Authorities have advised members of the public to respect the curfew and cooperate with community leaders throughout the duration of the traditional exercise.
