The Uburu Traditional Rulers Council in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has announced a community-wide spiritual cleansing exercise and imposed a dawn-to-dusk curfew following the controversial death of Mary Habila at the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.
The council, led by HRH Eze Lazarus N. Umahi, the elder brother of the minister, said Thursday, July 23, 2026, has been set aside for the traditional “Isu Arua” spiritual rite.
In a public notice signed by Chief Nicholas Odi, Chief Media of the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council and President General of Eweze Uburu Autonomous Community, residents were directed to observe a curfew from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The council ordered the closure of markets, businesses, shops, social gatherings, ceremonies and all public activities throughout the period of the exercise, urging residents and visitors to comply in support of what it described as the community’s spiritual cleansing, peace and renewal.
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The announcement comes amid continued public attention over the death of Mary Habila, who died on June 27 at Senator Umahi’s residence in Uburu under circumstances that remain under police investigation.
Umahi has confirmed that Habila died at his residence but denied any wrongdoing. He said she was attached to the Federal Ministry of Works and advised her family to approve a forensic autopsy to determine the cause of death.
The case has generated widespread public interest, with conflicting claims over Habila’s professional background and allegations surrounding the handling of the investigation. While some reports alleged efforts to transfer the investigation to Abuja, a witness who was present at the residence when Habila died has maintained that there was no foul play.
Meanwhile, the management of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu, has directed staff not to release information relating to Habila’s death without official authorisation, stressing the need to protect the institution’s reputation while the investigation continues.
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