A coalition of youth organisations under the auspices of Concerned Anambra Youths, on Thursday protested the activities of members of secret cults in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
No fewer than 60 youths have lost their lives to cult activities, occassioned by rivalry among groups, since January this year.
The coalition, consisting of youths moved round Awka streets on Thursday in a campaign meant to strengthen the fight against cultism, killings and other vices.
The youth who wielded placards during the protest march, lamented the increasing activities of cult groups among youths, saying it is posing threats to security in the society, especially in Awka.
Recently, a leader of tricycle riders, Prince, who operates at Unizik junction; a popular location in the state capital was gunned down by persons suspected to be members of rival cult group.
Placards carried by the protesting youths had several inscriptions, including: ‘Stop Cultism and Criminality’, ‘Stop the Killings and Violence’, ‘Shun Cult Activities’, ‘We Want Peace and Security’, ‘Secure and Protect the Leaders of Tomorrow’, among others.
Coordinator of the group, Mr Collins Egbuna, in an interview with journalists said: “Cultism is responsible for crime and violence which has complicated the already flawed security situation in the country.
“Nigerians must join in the awareness creation, sensitisation, advocacy, reorientation and mentoring processes to save children/youths from the claws of cultism and other vices.”
He lamented that cult groups have made the state unsafe, as they attack and kill innocent citizens, destroying property, abs engaging in armed robbery, drug abuse and kidnapping.
He added: “If these menace is not tackled properly, it will continue to rise. It will also be good if more organisations join by taking steps like this or more, because it is an ill-wind that will blow nobody any good.
“All hands must be on deck to discourage cultism and its related activities for a safe, peaceful and secure society, ” he said.
