A group of women in Awka staged a protest, shedding their clothes, to draw attention to the escalating violence in the state perpetrated by cult groups.
According to a video on X, the women were seen marching through the streets of Awka naked, expressing their outrage over the incessant killings and kidnappings that have plagued the state for years.
They decried the lack of effective action from the authorities to address the issue and called for an immediate end to the violence.
The protest, which was organized by the Awka Women for Peace and Development, comes amidst growing concern over the deteriorating security situation in Anambra State.
Cult-related violence has claimed numerous lives in recent months, leaving communities in fear and disrupting daily life.
The women’s decision to protest naked is a symbolic gesture intended to shock and provoke a response from the authorities.
They believe that such drastic action is necessary to draw attention to the severity of the situation and demand urgent action to stop the violence.
In addition to shedding their clothes, the women also carried placards bearing messages such as “Enough is Enough!” “Protect Our Children!” and “End Cult Violence Now!” They chanted slogans calling for the government to take decisive action to end the reign of terror by cult groups.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Chief Richard Onuorah said the communities would no longer tolerate incessant killings and maiming of their people.
He said, “We’re crying our eyes out every day because of cult-related killings in the community. There’s fear everywhere. We can’t go out and come back in peace.
“People are dying every day. We won’t keep quiet and watch this man’s inhumanity to man continue. It is time to put a stop to it.”
Also speaking, the chairman of the Ezinano Community, Tochukwu Nwokoye, expressed optimism that the protest would bring an end to the unrest in Awka.
He called for the return of private security operatives in the area, saying they were comfortable with their mode of operation.
Reacting, police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga commended the peaceful disposition of the protesters, assuring of an amicable resolution of the matter.
He also appreciated the people of the area for their support and cooperation, especially in providing information to the police.
He said: “There have been killings and cult-related incidences in Awka. We’re calling on the families of the victims to come forward with a formal report.
The protest has been met with mixed reactions from the public. Some have praised the women for their courage and willingness to speak out against the violence, while others have criticized the method of protest, deeming it inappropriate and unnecessary.
The women’s message of peace and their demand for action have resonated with many, and the authorities will now face increasing pressure to address the problem.