Attempt by some dollar-crazy indigenes of Igarra,Headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State to sell the 249-year-old traditional drums of the community has claimed the lives of 3 persons and 7 more are on sick bed.

The Igarra Community celebrated its 37th Opoze of Igarra and Irepa Festival celebration on 13 August 2011.

The festival comes up every 7 years and it is celebrated with pomp and pageantry.

We learnt that a member of the Anona family,the traditional custodians of the ancient drums called “Aba Drum” allegedly conspired with some people with a view to selling the ancient drums to an expatriate.

It was learnt that the expatriate had agreed to pay them in dollars.

It was gathered that the room where the drums were kept was forced open and photographs of the drums taken and handed over to the Expatriate.

It was further learnt that 3 of those who allegedly took the photographs of the Aba Drums died mysteriously,while 7 others are said to be receiving traditional treatment.

Their chance of survival is believed to be slim as elders of the town claim that this is the first time in the over 249-year-old town that people would attempt to steal the drums.