In Awka, the capital of Anambra State, residents are increasingly worried about the rising number of killings occurring in the city and its surroundings.
The ongoing violence is creating significant challenges for residents and impacting commercial and economic activities in the area.
Since Easter Sunday, there have been frequent clashes between rival cult groups leading to multiple deaths in Awka, with reports of over 15 fatalities in various locations.
On a Wednesday evening, an individual was shot at a petrol station in Aroma Roundtable, Awka.
Following that, on Thursday morning, another person believed to be a traffic official was fatally shot in front of a motor park near the Aroma roundabout.
It has been suggested that the conflict is being fueled by disputes over revenue collection and control within the local government.
As a response to this alarming situation, stakeholders in the area have come together to strategize on addressing the crisis to protect lives and property.
Expressing concern over the situation, Ossy Onuko, the Chairman of Awka Capital Territory Development Agency, highlighted the urgency of the issue during a press briefing in Awka on Friday.
Onuko emphasized the potential consequences of the ongoing violence on investors and residents who have been benefiting from the peaceful environment under Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.
He stated, “The recent upsurge in cult-related violence in Awka has prompted us to reassess our actions and devise comprehensive solutions that are not yet ready for public discussion.”
“Stakeholders have agreed not to allow individuals to disrupt the state government’s efforts to revitalize and transform the city into a thriving and secure urban area.”
Addressing the need for a distinction between cultism and criminal activities to effectively address the gun violence, Henry Mbachu, a stakeholder and lawmaker representing Awka South Constituency 1, emphasized the importance of educating youths about the dangers of joining cult groups.
Mbachu urged for reorientation programs led by the National Orientation Agency and other relevant bodies to enlighten the public on the perils associated with participating in cult activities.
In addition to government intervention, religious leaders, media, and other stakeholders were also urged to contribute to combating the escalating violence by encouraging individuals to renounce cultism and embrace peace.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, Chief ThankGod Anago, the Transition Committee Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area, stressed the need for a multifaceted approach to address the epidemic of killings plaguing Awka City.