By Uchenna Ezeadigwe


The people of Ezinano community in Awka-South Local Government Area of Anambra State have announced a N10 million bounty for anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the recent killings in the area.


Recall that last Sunday, suspected cult gang members killed no fewer than 11 people in Nibo, three in Okpuno, and eight in Ifite, all within Awka South Local Government Council. The community has also declared that any youth involved in cultism or other violent crimes will be ostracized.


Ozo Jeff Nweke, the Community Leader of Ezinano and CEO of Blue Shield Security Outfit, made this announcement on Saturday,  Nov 2, 2024  during the celebration of this year’s Ezinano Day at Ogbugbankwa Awka. He said that the community can no longer stand by while their youth are killed daily due to senseless cult activities.


“The day the Nibo community held their new yam festival, a group of miscreants and cultists came to the market square and killed people. Most of the victims were Awka residents who had come to join in the celebration,”


“We, the people of Ezinano village in Awka, condemn that dastardly act in its entirety and have placed a N10 million bounty on the heads of those cultists. Anyone who provides information about their whereabouts will be rewarded with N10 million,” he added.


Nweke also mentioned that the Awka community has resolved to assist the police and other security operatives in the manhunt for these killers, including those responsible for the deaths in Okpuno and Ifite villages.


“We want to take this opportunity to announce that all youths involved in cultism in Ezinano, and by extension Awka, have been ostracized; they are no longer considered children of Ezinano.”he added.


He urged parents to train their children well, emphasizing that all bad behavior begins at home and eventually affects the community.


Nweke, who will be stepping down from leadership by the end of December 2024, announced a N50 million foundation to support Ezinano women in small and medium-scale businesses. He noted that the total cost of the foundation is N100 million, with the first phase set to commence with N50 million, while the remainder will be allocated during Christmas.


At the occasion, Ozo Arinze Ekenem and Ozo Amb O.D. Ochije reiterated that the community would not tolerate any further killings in Awka Capital City.


According to them, a manhunt for suspected cultists residing in the town, as well as for outsiders who come to create chaos, has already begun.


“We have had enough of these killings in our town. There has been too much bloodshed on Awka land. We say enough is enough. We do not care whose son or sons they are; we shall hunt them all down,” they stated