By Uzoh Mike
The Ezinano community in Awka capital city, Anambra state, have declared zero tolerance to cultism and other violence warning suspect members to denounce their membership or go into exile.
Speaking at a Security Summit, held yesterday in Awka, Anambra state, the convener, Ozo Chief Jeff E, Nweke, condemned the worsening spate of cultism and killings in Awka and environs, insisting that many have died, especially their sons.
Nweke, in his opening remarks at the occasio with the theme: “Combating, Preventing, Violent Crimes And Menace Of Cultism In Awka”, lamented that the victims are Awka youths as well as some none indegienes who may have lost their lives or sustained serious injuries.
Warning that the trend must no longer ontinue in Awka, he expressed worry that cultism has deprived Awka indegens of their values, culture etc, reminding that their people are not lazy but industrious.
He said, “In recent times, violence and violent crimes have increased with killings, maiming, kidnapping…, our sons are dying with impunity.
“We reject violent crimes, against we abhor criminality, and vows that it will not continue”, he noted, insisting that these cultists are Awka sons and daughters, as well as strangers who are settling amongst them.
He however pointed out that cultism could be caused by some factors including: poverty which is as a result of failing economic policies by the governments, unemployment which is due to none availablility of established companies and industries by individuals, corporate organizations and government in Awka.
There is also the acquisition of Awka lands for housing estates, public/ private residential areas which blocked opportunities for farming and agricultural establishments.
“If governments can not create expected employment opportunities, we will create employment for Awka people, .. the sum of N100 million has been set aside for women empowerment. We will also encourage the youths with skill acquisition programs.
On the solutions, Nweke urged parents to advise their children against joining cultism, stop blames and counter blames against security Agencies, as well as burring victims of cultism immediately after their death by rival groups.
He appealed to the various security Agencies to assist Awka community in the fight against the monster called cultism, adding, “In recent times, the incedence of violent crimes has increased in Awka community.
“As far as Ezinano people are concerned, by December, we will organise public denouncetion/ reconciliation meeting for everybody.
“All cult members will renounce their membership. We have zero tolerance to cultism”. Those who fail to participate in the public renounciation will have themselves to blame.
According to Ozo Nweke, the Ezinano community comprises of four quarters including Ezi Awka, Amaikwo, Umuokpu and Agulu, which has twenty out of 33 villages that make up Awka town.
Also speaking at the event, the Anambra state Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Anieken Ayo pointed out that police can not do the work alone, but needs cooperation of the public, especially people of Ezinano Community.
He assured the security operatives will continue to support Ezinano to solve their insecurity problems, even as he also cautioned whoever that belongs to any cult group to denounce his or membership.
“Security operatives work in synergy, we shall equally join hands to deal with suspected cultists in Awka. We appeal to parents and guardians to advise their children and wards to withdraw their membership as cultists”.
