Awka cult killings: Lawmaker convenes security summit as 34 die in 3 weeks

The member representing Awka 1 State Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Henry Mbachu, has regretted recent killings in Awka, as a result of cult clashes.

The lawmaker, in a video broadcast made available to DAILY POST, said it is disheartening that Awka was degenerating into an unsafe place, despite being the capital of the state.

He said despite the governor and his deputy, and the heads of all the security agencies in the state living in Awka, killings have remained the order of the day.

Mbachu said as at the last count, about 34 youths have been felled by people suspected to be rival cult members, and everyone seems to be overwhelmed.

“We cannot continue like this. We have to come together and fashion a way forward. Awka is the capital of our dear state. It houses the governor, deputy governor, speaker and all members of the house of assembly.

“The police commissioner lives in Awka, same for the director of DSS, commandant of NSCDC, and various security agencies. So who are cultists that these people cannot team up and combat their activities? We need to look inwards to know what the problem is because I no longer believe this is just about cult killings.

“Between Easter and now, I have kept count, no less than 34 youths have been killed. These people are people’s children, they are people’s husbands and fathers. Should we continue to fold our hands and let these happen?

“It is as if we are afraid, but something has to be done. That is why we are convoking a security summit for everyone Awka people to come together a d let’s seek a way forward.”

The lawmaker regretted that every street in Awka have been barricaded with gates, and multiple vigilante groups have been formed and arms distributed, yet the killings have continued unabated.

He called on all Awka indigenes to come out on May 29 for the summit, which he said would among other things produce a communique that would be sent to the governor and other security agencies and also make out rules that will ensure safety in Awka.