Anambra Community empowers women with N50m, places N10m bounty on killers of Nibo/Ifite-Awka victims

By Cajetan Mmuta, Awka

The people of Ezinano Awka community in Awka South local government area of Anambra State have doled out N50 million to empower women in their various businesses, farming activities and other economic activities in the area.

They also donated another N10 million as a bounty to the State Police command and other security agencies to assist them track down fleeing gunmen who killed 16 persons and another seven persons at Nibo and Ifite-Awka communities on 20th October and 24th October 2024 respectively.

Leader of the Ezinano Awka Community and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Shield security outfit, Ozo Jeff Nweke announced the donations during the Community Day celebration/empowerment programme held at Ogbigbankwa Square in Awka the state capital.

He said that the N10 million donation to the police and other security agencies was to support their efforts toward the arrest of the killers of the victims.

Recall that 16 persons and another seven were killed at Nibo Community and Ifite Awka area by suspected members of a rival secret cult group and suspected kidnappers.

Ozo Nweke bemoaned the level of moral decay among the youths and tasked parents to watch the behaviour and activities of their children, and, in particular, inculcate good morals in them.

He disclosed that another N50 million would be distributed to indigent women next month December to further empower them to be meaningfully engaged and boost their trades so they can assist their families.

While condemning the spate of violent cult killings among youths of the area and neighbouring towns, Nweke said “Youths who sabotage themselves among the villages that make up the community by killing each other are banned from the community. We know all of you who are suspected secret cult members and your movements and we have given you much time to change but to no avail, therefore, you will not benefit anything from the community except you turn a new leaf.”

“We don’t kill ourselves but due to ignorance, some of us have indulged in killings and other criminalities which is bad,” he stated.

“Parents, especially, mothers must teach their children good morals so they can desist from anto social activities to become responsible members of the society and also be incorporated into the community. We must be our brother’s keeper at all times irrespective of challenges of life because in brotherhood we stand.”

“We promise to give N10million to help the police and other security agencies for anybody that will volunteer information about those behind the killings at Nibo and those that happened at Ifite Awka for possible arrest and prosecution.”

“We have resolved in Ezinano Community that any indigene involved in further killings would be dealt with accordingly. Therefore, parents and entire people of the community must speak out and keeping quiet means the person is supporting the perpetrators.”

Ozo Nweke who announced that the tenure of his leadership of the community would end in December this year further appealed to the people to be ready to support his successor to continue to boost development of the town and to improve the welfare of the people.

Also, another prominent leader of the community, Chief Arinze Ekenem condemned what the increasing “crime wave and youth festiveness” in most communities as a result of desire by many not to engage in profitable ventures.

He also tasked parents to inculcate sound moral values in their children, and, urged beneficiaries of the empowerment gesture to utilise monies to become self dependent.

Others speakers during the ceremony praised the leadership style of Ozo Nweke and prayed God to guide him in his doggedness and desire to turn around the fortunes of the community.

The colourful event featured traditional dances including masquerades by youth groups.