Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Three influential stakeholders and sons of Awka Kingdom in Anambra State have initiated moves to bring lasting solutions and an end to the incessant cult-related killings and other gun violence in the state capital.
The stakeholders are Hon. Ossy Onuko, Managing Director, Awka Capital Territory Development Agency (ACTDA); Hon Nigeria Mbachu, 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 made their intentions known after a crucial meeting believed to have bordered on the security situation of the town.
Recent events may have marked the return of cult clashes and killings in Awka, the capital city, as barely a day would pass without news of cultists killing each other at different locations in the town.
However, the stakeholders said they would bring a lasting solution to the cult clashes and create an environment where peace and harmony would reign supreme.
Addressing journalists, Hon Onuko, the ACTDA boss, 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.
On his own, Mbachu, the state lawmaker, called for a 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.
Also, the TC Chairman of Awka South, Hon ThankGod Anagor, said gun violence in Awka has grown from endemic analysis to an epidemic issue, the reason they have decided to take action.
He said “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 disclosed here,” he said.
