In Awka, the capital of Anambra State, efforts to address the escalating issue of cultism have taken a significant step forward as community stakeholders gathered to find a solution. However, suspected cultists, aware of the meeting, gathered around the venue, Emmaus House, to listen in on the discussions.

The meeting, aimed at tackling the deadly violence perpetuated by rival cult groups, was attended by concerned citizens, including women from the Ezinano Awka quarters, who identified some of the youths peeping into the hall as members of these cult groups. In recent months, over 40 youths have lost their lives in Awka due to cult-related violence.

Chief Jeff Nweke, a security expert and convener of the meeting, announced that a date in December 2024 would be set aside for cult members to renounce their affiliations, warning that severe consequences would follow for those who refuse. He urged parents to encourage their children to abandon cultism, emphasizing the need for a community-driven approach to end the violence.

Nweke highlighted the erosion of traditional values and the impact of cultism on the community, calling for enhanced cooperation between security agencies and local residents. He also announced the disbursement of N100 million to women in the area to help them start small-scale businesses and mitigate the negative effects of cult activities.

Representing the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police Aniete Eyo identified inferiority complex, domestic violence, unemployment, and social injustice as the root causes of cultism. He stressed the importance of addressing these issues from the home, noting that many cultists are influenced by dysfunctional family environments and the allure of belonging to a group.

The meeting also addressed the various forms of cultism, including campus cults, street cults, traditional religious cults, and political cults, each posing unique challenges to the community. It was agreed that the Special Anti-Cult Unit should focus on intelligence gathering and surveillance to proactively combat cult activities.

Security operatives who have played a crucial role in fighting cultism in Awka, including ACP Chris Bassey, SP Kennedy Kelechi Oti, and ASP Peter Ijeoma, were honored at the meeting with awards and financial rewards for their efforts.

The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to ending the menace of cultism in Awka, calling for continued collaboration with security agencies and the active involvement of the entire community in this fight