By Ruth Oginyi
The chairman of Abakaliki local government area of Ebonyi state Hon. Ebere Nwogba Monday threatened to seal any business facility used for cult-related activities or any other criminal activity in the area.
He gave the warning while addressing journalists on the Alleged Cult Related Clash and Destruction of Properties Within Nkwagu Axis of Abakaliki L.G.A, of the state.
The council chairman who earlier held an enlarged security council meeting with the security men, and stakeholders of the local government commended the state governor, Rt. Hon Francis Nwifuru for his commitment to ensuring that peace and tranquility reign in every part of Ebonyi State.
Hon. Nwogba while commending the efforts of the security agents especially the police and the military for their quick intervention and proactive steps in quenching the recent bloody clash that would have done more harm in the troubled area, urged them not to rest relent until the perpetrators are brought to book.
“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. Otherwise, such facilities will be sealed and owners be prosecuted accordingly.
“It is with a high sense of responsibility and value for the chastity of human lives that I condemn in strongest terms the alleged recent clash between rival cult groups in the Nkwagu area of Abakaliki Local Government Council which 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 has thrown the people of the area into fear, anxiety, and pandemonium, while the socio-economic activities of the masses have been grossly affected since early last week when the trouble started.
“However, despite the uproar, the government has remained hell-bent on quelling the ugly situation and as well ensure total restoration of peace, tranquility, and orderliness in the troubled area.
“As part of our rapid response to end violence and cult-related activities in Nkwagu metropolis and every other part of Abakaliki Local Government Council, I have had an enlarged security meeting with the security chiefs, stakeholders, traditional rulers, town union presidents, village heads, religious body, among others, with emphasis 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 an undertaking that they should be accountable for any security breach in their respective localities and to ensure that all the communities engage in vigilante and neighborhood watch security, and as well be able to provide timely and relevant information that can enable the police and other security agencies to work effectively for optimum security of lives and properties.
“It is noteworthy to inform you that Abakaliki Local Government Area as a very peaceful Local Government Area is not known for violence, civil disobedience, and other forms of societal ills.
“Hence, the need to arrest this ugly situation and save our people from the hands of a few disgruntled elements.
“In 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 recent fracas and will not relent until all the perpetrators of the dastardly act are arrested and prosecuted by the provisions of the law, to serve as a deterrent to others.
“I want to use this medium to announce that Abakaliki Local Government under my watch has no room for cultists and criminals, as we cannot in any circumstance spare anybody who engages in any clandestine movement or cult-related activities no matter whose ox is gored.
“It is on this note that I wish to charge all the residents of Abakaliki Local government to live because the place is now too not to accommodate miscreants and irresponsible individuals who do not mean well for the society.
“In the same vein, I want to urge the good people of Abakaliki Local Government especially those living around the Nkwagu axis to go about their normal lawful businesses without panic as the government is already on top of the situation and will not relent until sanity is brought to all the troubled areas.
