Over 1,000 residents from 20 villages in Awka community, Anambra state, expressed their grievances on Wednesday, November 22, staging a protest without clothing.

The demonstration was fueled by the indiscriminate killings of their fellow community members.

Carrying placards, the protesters accused certain high-ranking police officers of complicity in bribery and corruption within the locality.

A mock coffin symbolizing the removal of the accused officers was paraded, accompanied by a demand for the authorities to dismiss the implicated personnel within a 7-day ultimatum.

Chief Richard Onuorah, speaking for the protesters, emphasized the community’s intolerance for continuous violence, particularly linked to cult activities.

The chairman of Ezinano Community, Tochukwu Nwokoye, expressed hope that the protest would quell the unrest in Awka and advocated for the return of private security operatives with their preferred mode of operation.

In response, police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga acknowledged the peaceful nature of the protest and assured a resolution, commending the community for their support and information-sharing, which aided in recent arrests related to the killings and cult activities in Awka.

Report by Chibuike Ezekwesili

News Editor: Okuh Ikeme

Published by, Okuh Ikeme