BY SUZY CHUKWUECHEDOM / ONITSHA
..
In line with the recent Homeland Security laws initiated by the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, the Awkuzu Community in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State has officially keyed in war on criminalities.
.
Speaking at a press briefing yesterday, the traditional ruler of Awkuzu community, HRH. Igwe (Prof.) Charles Anikweze (Igwe Nnamenyi 111 of Awkuzu Ibilibe Ogada) said the community is ready to establish Agunechemba Security outfit in
the area.
.
Igwe Anikweze noted that the community has been peaceful in recent time but warned that any individual who intends to disrupt the existing peace in the community would surely face the wrath of the law.
.
The President-General of Awkuzu Progressive Union, APU, Dr Ejike Moses Ogoegbunam who read the press statement to journalists, said the Homeland Security Law “represents a decisive step by the government of Anambra State under the leadership of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to safeguard the people of Anambra and create a secure, resilient and thriving environment for businesses, residents and visitors”.
.
While warning criminal elements in the area to either repent or be exposed to face the full weight of the law, they said the Awkuzu community stands solidly behind Governor Soludo in the arduous task of fighting insecurity and criminality in the state while there would be no more hiding place for criminals in the area.
.
They said that a proposal has been initiated towards establishing a Security Trust Fund (STF) for Awkuzu community, noting that the establishment of the STF in the area would be jointly carried out with Adinma Awkuzu Association and other patriotic stakeholders such as the Awkuzu Cultural Association, United States of America, USA, Awkuzu Brothers Association, Awkuzu in the Diaspora and the Ife Awkuzu Association.
.
Igwe Anikweze and Ogoegbunam further disclosed that the Nnamenyi cabinet of High Chiefs and the Awkuzu Council of Ichies are united with APU in taking all possible steps to ensure peace and security in the area.
.
“Criminals will not enjoy any patronage or sympathy from responsible individuals in Awkuzu. Therefore, all erring and criminally inclined youths must change and be of good behaviour or be prepared to face the wrath of the law.”
.
Recalling that the emergence of the rebranded Vigilante squad put up by the state government was occasioned by rampant and incessant kidnappings in parts of the state, the community leader reiterated that although they may have enjoyed a relatively quiet and peaceful environment in Awkuzu, yet they detest the dastardly brazen cruelty exhibited by youths that snuff Ives out from people in the quest to get rich quick.
.
“The killing of people with intent to harvest and sell their vital parts to ritualists is an unpardonable sin before God and a gruesome assault on humanity.
.
“Therefore, we heartily welcome the advent of Agunechemba security outfit. Our own squad will join in the task of fighting different types of criminal activities, including trafficking of human beings and drugs, touting, cultism and criminal idolatry. Nobody in Awkuzu should therefore engage in these nefarious activities”.
.
“Awkuzu has zero tolerance for criminality of any type. Those that indulge in behaviours that lend to criminality, including those that consume or trade in drugs and mkpulu mmili are hereby warned to desist or otherwise leave the town for peace livers.
.
“This warning equally goes to mischief makers and rabble rousers that cause dissension among the peace-loving people of Awkuzu.”
.
In line with the new law, the community also called on traditional medicine practitioners in the area to hasten to register with the local government, specifying their potential and the kinds of services that disassociate them from those being accused of making charms for kidnappers.
Comment here