By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Convener of Ezinano Community’s security summit in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Ozo Jeff Nweke, on Wednesday appealed to residents to take action against the rising violent crime in Awka, saying that many young lives have been lost.

Speaking during the security summit, titled “Combating/Preventing Violent Crimes and Cultism”, held at Emmaus House, Arthur Eze Avenue, Awka, Nweke warned against resortingto "shoot at sight" tactics as a means to an end, but rather, collaborating with the security agencies toaddress the root cause of the decay.

He regretted the devastating effect of cultism and violent crime on Awka town, particularly, Ezinano village which he noted have lost 20 young people.

While attributing the surge in crime to the city’s status as state capital, the Convener noted that there has been notable erosion of values and culture.

He added: "There is need for community-police and security agencies should apply in-depth knowledge to solve the problem.

Nweke further thanked the police and other security outfits for their assistance, even as he called for external help to complement local efforts.

Nweke said: "Awka residents must take responsibility for their security. We don’t need only the police commissioner or DSS to defend ourselves. We must defend ourselves.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Obono Nnaghe Itam, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Anaetie Eyo, identified domestic violence, inferiority complex, unemployment, and social injustice as underlying causes of cultism.

He traced the origins of cultism to tertiary institutions, where it often begins, but noted that street cultists are often recruited by individuals who have graduated from higher institutions and are seeking a sense of belonging.

He also blamed politicians for recruiting cultists during elections and highlighted the role of dysfunctional homes in contributing to cultism.

While stating that security should not be a one-man affair, he called for synergy in combating crime.

The CP further harped on the vital importance of families and schools in preventing cultism and other crimes. He called for a collaborative effort between these institutions and security agencies to tackle the issue head-on

The Ezinano Community, comprising 20 villages, including Umudiana Amikwo, Okperi Amikwo, Igweogige Amikwo, Ishiagu Amikwo, Obunagu Amikwo, Onuko Amikwo, Umukwa, Umuogwali, Umueri, Umuogbunu I, Umuogbunu II, Umudioka, Umuogbu, Umumbele, Umuike, Umuonaga, Umujagwo, Umuoruka, Umuenechi, and Umuokpu, has been severely affected by violent crime and cultism.