Major stakeholders in Awka, Awka South Local Government Area, have appealed to the youths to end the gun violence that has recently resurfaced in the city.

 

The appeal was made by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, ACTDA, Mr. Ossy Onuko, the member representing Awka Constituency One in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Honourable Nigeria Henry-Mbachu, and the Transition Committee Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area, Mr. ThankGod Anago, while briefing journalists in Awka.

 

Addressing the journalists, Mr. Onuko noted that the stakeholders deemed it necessary to come together and brainstorm on how to end the ugly resurgence of gun violence in Awka, which he regretted has been endangering the lives of the residence of the city in recent times, calling on those who engage in the heinous crime to repent as there is no future in it.

 

He explained that the stakeholders, other relevant bodies and security agencies have mapped out measures on how to keep Awka safe in order not to push away the thousands of investors that troop into the city on a daily basis, and appealed for all hands to be on deck in stemming the tide.

 

The ACTDA boss made it clear that the efforts of Governor Chukwuma Soludo in repositioning and regenerating the Awka city must not be jeopardized by the activities of few individuals, and pleaded with those terrorizing the city to desist from the crime. UPSOT.

 

For the member representing Awka South One Constituency in the state assembly, Honourable Mbachu, there is need for a comprehensive reorientation of the youths, adding that the stakeholders intend to work with the National Orientation Agency to achieve maximum and optimal results.

 

The Lawmaker pointed out that motions have been raised to ensure that the ugly development is curtailed, as some youths joined cultism out of ignorance, even as he revealed that they will create a window for some youths that want to denounce cultism to do so without molestation.

 

On his part, the Transition Committee Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area, Mr. Anago, opined that the gun violence in the city has become an epidemic which every reasonable stakeholder in the city must come out now to join hands in finding a lasting solution to, as some of the people causing the mayhem are known in the society.