By Anselem Anokwute
The Imo State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Hon. Comr. Amb. Ikenga Jeff Eze, JP, has strongly condemned the recent spate of cult-related activities and violent killings in parts of the state, describing such acts as barbaric, satanic and a grave threat to human life, peace and societal development.
Eze, who expressed deep concern over the disturbing development, called on individuals involved in cultism and other forms of violent criminality to immediately renounce such activities and embrace peace, lawfulness and responsible conduct for the collective good of society.
The NURTW State Chairman made his position known in a statement released through his media office by the Media Officer, Comrade Anyanwuocha, in which he deplored the growing resort to violence among suspected cult groups and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to bring perpetrators of criminal acts to justice.
He warned that cult-related violence, killings and other criminal activities could undermine the peace and security necessary for economic growth, commercial activities and the overall well-being of residents of Imo State.
According to him, the continued involvement of young people in cultism and violent confrontations is a matter of serious concern that requires the collective attention of government, security agencies, parents, community leaders and other relevant stakeholders.
Reacting to the recent violent incidents in Owerri, the Imo State capital, where members of rival groups reportedly engaged in deadly confrontations, Eze expressed sadness over the loss of lives and condemned the circumstances that led to the unfortunate development.
He described the use of violence to settle disputes, demonstrate supremacy or pursue personal interests as unacceptable, stressing that no disagreement or rivalry could justify the taking of innocent human lives.
The transport union leader maintained that human life remains sacred and must be protected, adding that those who engage in cult-related activities should understand that their actions have devastating consequences not only for their victims but also for their families, communities and the wider society.
He called for a comprehensive and sustained crackdown on cultism and related criminal activities, urging the relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible for killings and other acts of violence are identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Eze also appealed to security agencies to remain vigilant and strengthen their intelligence-gathering and crime-prevention strategies to prevent further bloodshed and reassure residents of their safety
The NURTW chairman commended the Imo State Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, and the relevant law enforcement agencies for their intervention in addressing the security challenges arising from the recent violent incidents.
He acknowledged the importance of timely intervention in containing violence and preventing further loss of lives, while urging the state government and security agencies to sustain their efforts towards eliminating cultism and other criminal activities across the state.
Eze noted that a peaceful environment is indispensable to the state’s development aspirations, pointing out that residents, traders, transport operators, investors and other economic stakeholders can only carry out their legitimate activities effectively when their lives and property are protected.
He therefore called for stronger collaboration among the government, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, transport unions and residents to ensure that criminal elements do not undermine the peace and stability of Imo State.
The NURTW chairman stressed that the fight against cultism should not be left to security agencies alone, insisting that all responsible citizens have a role to play in identifying and discouraging criminal behaviour and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Eze particularly appealed to parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the conduct, associations and activities of their children and wards, urging them to caution those involved in cultism and other dangerous practices before such behaviour results in irreversible consequences.
He observed that the home remains an important foundation for discipline, moral upbringing and responsible citizenship, adding that parents must not hesitate to correct their children whenever they notice signs of involvement in criminal activities.
He further urged community leaders, religious institutions, youth organisations and other stakeholders to intensify campaigns against cultism by educating young people on the dangers associated with violent groups.
According to him, young people should be encouraged to channel their energy into productive ventures, education, entrepreneurship, sports, vocational training and other lawful activities that can improve their lives and contribute to the development of their communities.
The NURTW chairman also appealed directly to individuals involved in cultism and violent confrontations to lay down their arms, abandon criminal associations and embrace a new path of peace, mutual respect and lawful living.
He urged them to reflect on the pain and suffering their actions inflict on families who lose loved ones, noting that no individual or group gains anything meaningful from a culture of violence and bloodshed.
Reaffirming his confidence in the capacity of law enforcement agencies to protect lives and property, Eze urged residents of Imo State to cooperate with security personnel by providing credible information that could assist in preventing crime and apprehending suspects.
He maintained that the fight against cultism requires firmness, vigilance and sustained public cooperation, while emphasising that all security operations must be conducted within the framework of the law and with respect for the rights of citizens.
According to him, violence and brigandage offer no meaningful benefits to individuals or society, but instead create fear, destroy relationships, disrupt businesses and expose young people to the risk of injury, imprisonment or death.
He called on all well-meaning residents of the state to reject cultism in all its forms and work together towards building communities where peace, security, justice and respect for human life are upheld.
Eze concluded by reiterating his commitment to peace and the safety of residents, urging youths to shun activities capable of endangering their future and tarnishing the image of their communities.
He stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved when individuals take responsibility for their actions and collectively reject violence as a means of resolving disputes.
