Ebonyi Cult clash: Community leaders sign undertaking to maintain peace

The meeting took place at the local government headquarters in Nkaliki and was attended by various stakeholders, including traditional rulers, town union presidents, village heads, religious leaders, and security chiefs of the local government.

According to the Council Chairman, Chief Stephen Nwogba, who spoke with journalists, the stakeholders in the local government signed the undertaking to ensure that all communities engage in vigilantism to curb the activities of cultists and criminals in their respective areas.

Nwogba noted that the recent clashes in his council area have caused significant pain and emotional trauma to the victim’s parents and relatives. This situation has also instilled fear, anxiety, and chaos among the area’s residents, affecting socio-economic activities since the troubles began early last week.

He urged the people of the area to carry on with their daily activities, assuring them that the government is committed to quelling the unrest and restoring peace, tranquillity, and orderliness in the troubled area. He emphasized that there is no place for cultists and criminals in his council area, and those involved in clandestine or cult-related activities will face consequences.

His statement reads, “It is with a deep sense of responsibility and value for human life that I strongly condemn the recent clash between rival cult groups in Nkwagu area of Abakaliki Local Government Council. This incident resulted in the brutal killing of three individuals and left others with various degrees of injuries, while valuable properties were extensively damaged.

“It is truly saddening and concerning to witness the pain and emotional distress that this unfortunate incident has caused to the victims’ families, as well as the fear, anxiety, and disruption of socio-economic activities in the area.

“As part of our rapid response to end violence and cult-related activities in Nkwagu and all other parts of Abakaliki Local Government Council, I convened a security meeting with security chiefs, stakeholders, traditional rulers, town union presidents, village heads, religious leaders, and others. We emphasized the need to prioritize security in all communities of the council area.

“During this security meeting, community leaders, village leadership, and opinion leaders pledged to be accountable for any security breaches in their respective areas. They also committed to establishing vigilante and neighbourhood watch security, providing timely and relevant information to enable the police and other security agencies to work effectively in safeguarding lives and property.

“It’s important to note that Abakaliki Local Government Area, known for its peaceful nature, is not associated with violence, civil disobedience, or other societal issues. Hence, the urgency to address this situation and protect our people from the actions of a few troublemakers.

“In light of the above, I want to inform you that security agencies, with the help of our community, have initiated investigations into the recent violence. We will not relent until all those responsible for these heinous acts are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law to serve as a deterrent to others.

“I emphasize that Abakaliki Local Government under my leadership has no place for cultists and criminals, and we will not spare anyone engaged in clandestine or cult-related activities, regardless of their status.

“I must stress that Abakaliki Local Government and its surroundings are not a safe haven for deviants and irresponsible individuals who do not have the well-being of society in mind.

“I also want to warn business owners that they should not allow their facilities, including hotels, shops, and rented apartments, to be used for criminal or cult-related activities. Failure to comply will result in the sealing of such facilities and legal prosecution,” he concluded.

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