Stakeholders from the Awka community in Anambra State are convening to address the purported surge in cult-related violence and other criminal activities within the locality.
Over the past fortnight, at least 16 individuals, particularly young residents, have reportedly lost their lives in what is believed to be a clash between rival cult groups in the capital city.
In response to the disturbing developments, community stakeholders have united their efforts to quell the violence and restore peace and security to the area.
Some of the leaders are, Hon. Ossy Onuko, Managing Director, Awka Capital Territory Development Agency (ACTDA); Hon Henry Mbachu, (known as Nigeria), member representing Awka South 1 at the State House of Assembly; and Hon. ThankGod Anagor, Transition Committee Chairman, Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra state.
They declared after their meeting that they would not allow the killings to continue in their territory anymore, saying, “We are ready to bring a lasting solution to the cult clashes and create an environment where peace and harmony will reign supreme.”
Speaking on the issue, Onuko, said the current security situation of the town had become a source of concern to the people such that they were now living in fear.
Onuko said: “Residents of Awka are beginning to witness a little bit of a setback in the security architecture of the town in terms of cult-related gun violence where our youths indulge in the killing of each other and endangering the lives of other innocent residents.
“We, as servants of the people, have brainstormed and come up with a strategy that will yield a solution to the challenge.”
He said the community was not the only city hit by cult clashes in the country, adding that the safety of the residents and other visitors to the state remained a priority of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s government.
He reminded the youths of the need to embrace peace as there was no gain in crime and violence.
Honourable Mbachu, a member of the Labour Party, emphasized the necessity for collective action, noting that the current situation in the town had escalated to a point that could no longer be ignored. He highlighted one of the strategies they had adopted, which involves collaborating with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and other pertinent agencies to reorient the populace and redirect their focus towards endeavours that would enhance their lives and contribute positively to society.
Also, ThankGod Anagor, the chairman of Awka South local government, expressed concern over the escalating gun violence in Awka, characterizing it as a transition from a chronic problem to an epidemic issue. He explained that this dire situation prompted their decision to take proactive measures.
“Cultists are known gunmen. They are our sons and daughters. We will start from somewhere that is why we are preaching for them to imbibe peace but we have other options that we would not disclose to anyone,” he said.
