Stakeholders from Awka community in Anambra State, are meeting to end the ongoing rampant cult- related killings among other crimes in the capital city.
In the last two weeks, no fewer that 16 persons had been killed in the capital city, especially, the young ones in an alleged cult war
As a result, the stakeholders have come together to put an end to it.
Sone 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.
” 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.
“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.” Onuko said.
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.
For Hon. Mbachu, the Labour Party LP, lawmaker, he called for a collective action, stating that what was happening in the town had become something that could no longer be taken for granted.
He said one of the approaches they had taken would be a partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and other relevant agencies to reorient the people, while channelling their minds towards doing things that would better their lives and society.
Also, Chairman of Awka South local government, ThankGod Anagor, said gun violence in Awka had grown from endemic analysis to an epidemic issue, the reason, according to him, they had decided to take action.
“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 which we would not disclose to anyone ” he said
