Determined to halt ravages of 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.
Unconfirmed report has it that Ezinano community in Awka with Umudiana Amikwo, Okperi Amikwo, Igweogige Amikwo, Ishiagu Amikwo, Obunagu Amikwo, Omuko Amikwo, Umukwa, Umuogwali, Umueri, Umuogbunu |, Umuogbunu Il, Umudioka, Umuogbu, Umumbele, Umuike, Umuonaga, Umujagwo, Umuoruka, Umuenechi, and Umuokpu villages has lost about 30 young people in recent times due to cult related crimes.
Convener of the symposium and traditional title holder in Awka, Chief Jeff Nweke, who appreciated efforts of security personnel in helping to secure lives and property in the state capital city, called for more efforts, and noted the need for synergy and understanding among security operatives and community security men in crime fighting.
He called for rehabilitation of people arrested in connection with cultism and related crimes, instead of killing them, saying that unemployment is fuelling insecurity in the area.
Chief Nweke further suggested creation of employment opportunities for the youths, regular interface through town hall meetings and other measures to help address the security challenges.
The security expert, who debunked the allegation that influential people in Awka are funding and benefiting from cult activities, said going forward, the community will be in the forefront in the fight against cultism and related crimes the more, even as he announced that a day for renunciation of cultism has been set aside to further stamp out cultism and related crimes in the area.
Addressing the gathering, the Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, represented by an APGA Chieftain and another 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 efforts to restore the peaceful nature of the capital city, and pledged continued government support.
Commissioner of Police in the state, Obono Nnaghe Itam, represented by Assistant Commissioner Police in charge of Operations, Anietia Eyoh, who commended Ezinano community for taking the bull by the horns in the fight against cultism and related crimes, said it is regrettable that cultists and victims of cult activities are sons and daughters of people, adding that security operatives can’t work alone in crime fighting and prevention except with people who are 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 way out of the challenge.
Other heads of security agencies that attended the event, including the Anambra State Director of DSS, Adesina Bolarinwa, represented by Onyedika Nwachukwu, and Deputy Commandant of NSCDC in Anambra, DCC 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.
Bishop Dr Victor Ifeanyichukwu Nnebe; who hails from Awka and attended the event that featured question and answer session, said the sympoy has opened a new chapter of life in the community, but added that without God, no one can go far in doing good.
The symposium with the theme, “Combating 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 hasn’t collapse.