Cult killings: Anambra lawmaker convenes security summit in Awka

In his continued effort to curb the trend of cult-related killings that has claimed the lives of youths in Awka, the capital city of Anambra State, the lawmaker representing Awka 1 Constituency in the State House of Assembly under Labour Party, Honourable Nigeria Henry Mbachu, has convened a security summit to address the menace.

The summit which took place at Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre Awka, on Wednesday, has in attendance Mr Valentine Ozigbo, Awka stakeholders including the Ozo title holders, village heads, women leaders, clergies, politicians and colleagues of the convener.

In his opening speech at the summit, Hon. Mbachu, who decried the falling moral values amongst the youth, and the failure of parents, and, elders to inculcate moral values in their children, stated that despite that gates have been constructed at the entry and exit points of virtually every street, numbering currently about 54 gates, and, about 18 village vigilante group, the situation still requires more deliberate actions.

He assured that he would continue to engage the state government, led by Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the security agencies and other relevant stakeholders in Awka until a positive resort is achieved. 

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As part of the solutions, the secretary of the Ozo title holders, Ozo Ndu Nwakalor, stated that they have decreed henceforth that any of their members who facilitate bail for any criminal suspects from security custody would be relieved of his title as Ozo.

Presidential general of Awka Women Town Union, Mrs Ogechukwu Ekwuozor, who is also a lawyer, urged various security agencies in the state to prioritise the security of the capital city.

She bemoaned the falling of moral values and urged mothers to take up the challenge of monitoring the behaviour of their children instead of shielding them when they indulge in criminality.

The senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Chief Victor Umeh and member representing Awka-South and Awka-North federal constituency, Prof. Lilian Orogbu, who made their contributions at the summit via Zoom, urged the elders, and, other community leaders to rein in the youth, emphasising that security was critical for the investors, and, democracy dividends they are attracting to impact on the area.