Determined to stamp out cultism and related crimes in the Anambra capital city, the Ezinano community of Awka has organized a symposium where consciousness of members were reawakened to the negative effects of the menace in the society.

 

According to unconfirmed report, Ezinano community has lost about thirty young people in recent times due to cult related crimes.

Addressing the gathering, the Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, represented by an All Progressives Grand Alliance Chieftain and traditional title holder in Awka, Chief Obi Ochije-Modilim, promised that the next phase of the youth empowerment program of the Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration will target more Awka indigenes as a way of contributing to the fight against social vices in the area.

 

He commended the convener of the symposium for his efforts to restore the peaceful nature of the capital city, and pledged a continued government support.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Obono Nnaghe Itam, represented by Assistant Commissioner Police in charge of Operations, Anietie Eyoh, who commended Ezinano community for taking the bull by the horns in the fight against cultism and related crimes, said that it is regrettable that cultists and victims of cult killings are sons and daughters of a people, adding that security operatives cannot work alone in crime fighting and prevention, except in synergy with people passionate about societal development.

 

He listed poverty and unemployment that create sense of helplessness, inequality and social injustice, trauma and alienation, broken homes and dysfunctional families, parental neglect, media portrayals that glorify violence as some of the factors pushing people into cultism, and recommended family involvement by way of shaping individual values and behaviors, community engagement through neighborhood watch, parental guidance, active involvement of educational institutions, among others as a way out of the challenge.

Other Heads of Security Agencies that attended the event, including the Anambra State Director of Department of State Services, Adesina Bolarinwa, represented by Onyedika Nwachukwu, and a Deputy Commandant of theNigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Anambra, Mr Francis Nnadi, also called for regular community engagement, youth sensitization and empowerment programs, counselling and rehabilitation, as well as formation of anticult units in schools as measures to address the challenge, noting that it takes a lot to fight crime.

 

Earlier, the convener of the symposium, Chief Jeff Nweke, said that the community is appreciative of the efforts of security agencies in helping to secure lives and property in the city, but asked them to do more, even as he emphasized the need for synergy and understanding between security operatives and community security men in crime fighting.

While calling for rehabilitation of those arrested in connection with cultism and related crimes, Chief Nweke noted that unemployment is fueling insecurity in the area, and further suggested the creation of employment opportunities for the youths, regular interface through town hall meetings and other measures to help address the security challenge.

 

An indigene of Awka who attended the event that featured question and answer session, Bishop Victor Ifeanyichukwu Nnebe, said that the event has opened a new chapter in the life of the community, but added that without God, no one can go far in doing good.

 

Correspondent, Joseph Egbeocha reports that the symposium with the theme, “Combating, preventing violent crimes and menace of cultism in the metropolitan city”, also featured award presentation with cash rewards to deserving individuals, including security operatives, both living and dead, who helped to ensure that security in the area did not collapse.

 

 

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