Cult-related killings have become a new normal in most of the villages that make up Awka community, the capital of Anambra State, such that many residents of the city, particularly the elites, now abandon their palatial homes to check into hotels at night.
Recently, there was pandemonium at the busy Aroma area of Awka when, in a broad daylight, gunmen suspected to be cultists, killed one youth in his 20s. The development caused business houses in the area to quickly close, with many people scampering to safety. The victim, who hailed from Amudo Village in Awka, was said to be a tricycle revenue collector who was previously a Keke operator himself.
Worried by the ugly development, Mbachu convened a summit after mobilizing Awka people from all parts of the country. Major stakeholders, including the Ozo title holders, village heads, women leaders, clergy men, and politicians, attended the summit. Before the summit, he toured all major cities of Nigeria where Awka people reside, such as Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu, among others and consulted elders and stakeholders to rally their support for the summit.
“Between Easter and now, I have kept count and no less than 34 youths have been killed. These are people’s children, they are people’s husbands and fathers. Should we continue to fold our hands and let these continue?“It is as if we are afraid, but something has to be done. That is why we are convoking a security summit for everyone in Awka to come together and seek a way forward.
Labour Party chieftain, Mr Valentine Ozigbo, urged the state government to prioritize security, adding that the provision of employment opportunities for the youth wash critical to fighting insecurity.