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By Madu Obi
The member representing Awka 1 state constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon Henry Mbachu has said that no fewer than 34 persons were killed during cult related clashes in Awka in the last three weeks.
The lawmaker said it is disheartening that Awka is degenerating into an unsafe place, despite being the capital of the state, due to increasing cult activities.
He lamented that the killings have continued despite the fact that the governor and his deputy, as well as heads of all the security agencies in the state, are living in Awka.
Mbachu, who was elected on the platform of the Labour Party, LP, said it is worrisome that the situation appears to have overwhelmed everybody.
He said:"We cannot continue like this. We have to come together and fashion out a way forward. Awka is the capital of our dear state and 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 these 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 and 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 continue?
"It is as if we are afraid, but something has to be done. That is why we are convoking a security summit for everyone in Awka to come together and seek a way forward."
The lawmaker observed that because of the insecurity created by the frequent shootings in the various villages and streets, all areas 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 security summit, which he said, would among other things, produce a communique that would be sent to the governor and other security agencies.
He added that the summit will also set rules that will ensure safety in Awka.
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