Cult War ..Abakaliki LG Chairman condemn killing of Three persons, as rival  cult groups wreck havoc in Ebonyi

CLEMENT NNACHI (ABAKALIKI)

The Chairman of Abakaliki Local Government Area in Ebonyi State Hon Stephen Ebere Nwogba, has condemned the resurgence of cult related clashes in the council, that has led to loss of lives and destruction of properties.

Hon Nwogba made the condemnation at the Council headquarters Nkaliki on Monday while briefing newsmen.

He warned that his administration would not tolerate any act of lawlessness and wanton killings  by miscreants.

According to him,” It  is with high sense of responsibility and value for the chastity of human lives that I wish to condemn in strongest terms,  the alleged recent clash between rival cult groups in Nkwagu area of Abakaliki Local Government Council “

“This clashes has led to the brutal killing of three persons, leaving behind others with various degrees of injuries while valuable properties were utterly destroyed”

“It is very sad and worrisome to observe that this unfortunate incident has caused serious pains and emotional trauma to the parents and relatives of the victims and as well thrown the people of the area into fear, anxiety and pandemonium”

The Council boss restated that socio-economic activities of the masses have been grossly affected since early last week when the trouble started.

“in spite of the uproar, the government has remained hell-bent to quell the ugly situation, as well as ensure total restoration of peace, tranquility and orderliness in the troubled area”

Hon Nwogba emphasized that the government held an enlarged security council meeting with security Chiefs, stakeholders and Traditional rulers.

“As part of our rapid response to end violence and cult related activities in Nkwagu metropolis and in every other part of Abakaliki Local Government Council, I have held an enlarged security meeting with security chiefs, stakeholders, traditional rulers, town union presidents, religious body, among others”

“The emphasis is focused on the need to prioritize security in all the communities of the council area”

“In the course of the security meeting, all the community leaders, village leadership and opinion molders, were made to sign undertaking that they should be accountable to any security breach in their respective localities”

“They are to ensure that all the communities engage in vigilante and neigbourhod watch security, provide timely and relevant information that can enable the police and other security agencies to work effectively for optimum security of lives and properties”

He reiterated the Council determination to arrest this ugly situation and save the  people from the hands of few disgruntled elements.

“In the light of the above, I wish to inform you that the security agents with the help of our people, have fully commenced investigations into the incidence”

“We will not relent until all the perpetrators of the dastardly acts are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the law, so as to serve as a deterrent to others”

He urged the good people of Abakaliki Local Government especially those living around Nkwagu axis, to go about their normal lawful businesses without panic .

“Government is already on top of the situation and will not relent until sanity is brought to all the troubled areas”

Hon Nwogba  threatened to seal  the premises of any business owner, that allows his/her facility including hotels and shops to be used for any criminal or cult related activities.

“On this note, I want to sound it as a serious warning that no business owner, should allow his or her facility including hotels, shops and rented apartments to be used for any criminal or cult related activities