Cult War: Lawmaker Convenes Security Summit, Says 34 Killed in 3 Weeks

*As NSCDC, army meet, strategise on security

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The member representing Awka 1 State Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon Henry Mbachu, has regretted the recent incidences of killings in Awka, as a result of cult clashes.
The lawmaker said a security summit is underway for Awka indigenes, government and law enforcement agencies to discuss the security of the state capital.
This is coming as the commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State, Mr Olatunde Maku, met with the Commander, 302 Artillery Regiment (302 AR) Nigerian Army, Onitsha, Col. M. B. Abubakar, to strategize on how to provide security in the state.

While speaking about the spate of gun attacks in Awka, Hon Mbachu said: “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 every Awka person to come together and let’s seek a way forward.”

The lawmaker regretted that every street in Awka has 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.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer for Anambra State Command of NSCDC, SC Okadigbo Edwin in a press release said that the commandant, Maku has met with the commander of 302 Artillery, Abubakar to strengthen security in the state.

Okadigbo quoted Maku as saying during the visit to Col Abubakar: “I am proud to say that you have not disappointed me. In executing our core mandate in the protection of critical national, state and local government assets and infrastructure. We have sought for your synergy and I am happy to say, you have without hesitation availed us. Thank you for always partnering with us.
“We commend the Nigerian Army for being a supportive partner to NSCDC in the area of training and retraining of the Corps personnel, joint operations, fight against illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, illegal oil refining and petroleum black market racketeering.
“We hope that our partnership will help us tackle sundry crimes in Anambra State.”