Stakeholders in Awka kingdom, including the chairman of Awka Capital Territory Development Agency (ACTDA), Hon. Ossy Onuko; member representing Awka South 1 in the State House of Assembly, Hon Nigeria Mbachu; and the Transition Committee Chairman, Awka South Local Government Area, in Anambra State, Hon. ThankGod Anagor, have raised the alarm over incessant cult-related killings and other gun violence in the state capital.
The stakeholders, who initiated moves to bring lasting solutions to the recurring issue, made their intentions known after a crucial meeting believed to have bordered on the security situation of the town.
However, the stakeholders assured they would bring a lasting solution to the cult clashes and create an environment where peace and harmony would reign supreme.
Addressing a press conference shortly after the meeting at the ACTDA headquarters in Awka, the Transition Committee Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area, Hon Thankgod Anagor, said the gun violence that has claimed many lives, has grown beyond endemic analysis to an epidemic formed.
He lamented that the situation has reached a stage where somebody can no longer keep silent.
According to him, those perpetrating these ungodly acts are known persons. “We know them. They are our son and daughters here in Awka. We are appealing to them to shield their sword and embrace peace for the sake of the city’s glorious integrity.
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“So our meeting today is to brainstorm on how to curtail or end the menace and give peace a chance in the state capital,” the council boss stated.
The ACTDA boss, on his part, said the current security situation of the town has become a source of concern to the people such that they are now living in fear.
He 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.”
Onuko said the town is not the only city hit by cult clashes in the country, but assured that the safety of the residents and other visitors to the state remains a priority of Soludo’s government.
Speaking further, he reiterated that the present administration is working to reposition Awka to a smart mega city, warning that such progress attained can never be allowed to be disrupted by crime and criminality.
He reminded youths of the need to embrace peace as there is no gain in crime and violence. He also appealed to them to shun all forms of gun-related violence and give peace a chance in Awka so that people can freely go about their businesses.
Also speaking, Hon. Mbachu, the state lawmaker, called for collective action, adding that what is happening in the town has become something that can no longer be taken for granted.
Mbachu disclosed that one of the approaches they have taken would be a partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and other relevant agencies to reorient the people and channel their minds toward doing things that will better their lives and society.
He equally urged the Churches, Civil Society Organisations and the media to join the crusade to eradicate the menace in the state capital.
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