…9 Cult Members Repent, Surrender to Agunechemba
By Jude Atupulazi
Operatives of Anambra State security outfit, Agunechemba, have been ordered to crackdown on suspected cult camps and cultists across the state. This is even as nine cult members have thrown in the towel and vowed to quit cultism.
The crackdown on these elements is in compliance with the directive issued by the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Policing, Prince Ken Emeakayi, aimed at putting a halt on the activities of the cultists in the state.
The nine repentant individuals presented themselves at the Agunechemba headquarters, Lion Building, Awka, on Tuesday, where they publicly declared their withdrawal from cult groups. During the handover, they pleaded for forgiveness and assured security operatives and community leaders that they would no longer participate in any form of unlawful association.
They vowed to channel their energy into positive contributions to their families, communities, and to Anambra State, hoping to set an example for younger people. The individuals expressed deep regret for their involvement in cult activities and acknowledged what they described as the severe consequences such actions could have brought upon them and others.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Media and Publicity Secretary of Agunechemba, Mr. Nweke Nweke, the surrender was followed by a brief meeting at the operational headquarters, attended by the parents of the repentant individuals. The presence of their parents was intended to reinforce accountability and support their reintegration back into society.
It will be recalled that Prince Ken Emeakayi recently directed Agunechemba operatives to show zero tolerance toward cultism, stressing that many serious crimes such as kidnapping and extortion were fueled by cult-related activities. He maintained that the state’s community policing framework must decisively address the root causes of insecurity.
Speaking on behalf of his peers, one of the repentant youths who pleaded anonymity, reaffirmed their collective decision never to go back to cultism. He appealed to all those who had been wronged by their past actions for forgiveness, promising that they would make restitution wherever possible.
Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme, Chairman of the Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Internal Security and Majority Leader of the House, commended the youths for taking the bold step toward rehabilitation. He encouraged other young people involved in cult groups to renounce such affiliations immediately, warning that cultism offered no benefits and could destroy one’s future.
As the representative of Ekwusigo Constituency, Hon. Ofodeme directed the Agunechemba leadership to compile a full profile of the repentant individuals and forward it to the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, for proper recognition, monitoring, and documentation in accordance with the state’s community security procedures.
