By Oyem Jonathan
The Executive Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Council, Hon. Pastor Jude Chukwunwike , has issued a firm warning that the local government does not tolerate cult activities and other forms of violent crime, declaring that there will be no hiding place for criminal elements within the council area.
The Chairman made this declaration on Friday during a high level security meeting held at the council hall, attended by heads of security agencies operating in the local government as well as Presidents General of various town unions.
Pastor Chukwunwike who was represented at the meeting by the police Area Commander, Aniocha South, ACP Akpan Okon Daniel, was accompanied by the Divisional Police Officer of Ogwashi-Uku, CSP Israel Okoyomon, and the Director of the Department of State Security in the area, Mrs. Nkeiru Okeke.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairman called for enhanced intelligence gathering, effective information sharing, and coordinated security operations across communities in Aniocha South. He noted that the meeting became imperative following recent waves of cult related violence and criminal activities in neighboring communities, which have resulted in loss of lives and displacement of offenders.
“I must state clearly that some criminal elements, particularly cultists who were flushed out of neighbouring communities due to sustained security pressure, are now attempting to relocate to Ogwashi-Uku to regroup and continue their nefarious activities,” the Chairman warned.
He stressed that Aniocha South would not allow itself to become a refuge for fleeing criminals, adding that any person arrested for cultism or related violent crimes must be promptly transferred to Asaba for diligent prosecution in accordance with the law.
“Evil thrives where there is conspiracy of silence. Communities must reject criminality and cooperate with security agencies. We will not allow criminal networks to take root or operate freely under any guise,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Presidents General, Prof. Jiff Mokobia, alongside Mr. Henry Uzor, Mr. Mathias Nwaebichi, and Chief Joseph Chukwuma, called for strengthened collaboration between community leadership and security agencies. They emphasized the importance of intelligence-led policing, early warning mechanisms, and proactive engagement to prevent crimes before they occur.
The speakers also advocated wider stakeholder engagement and a comprehensive security strategy aimed at improving surveillance, response time, and visible security presence, especially as the local government approaches another election cycle.
Those present unanimously agreed on the need for a robust partnership framework for crime prevention and management, underscoring that sustainable security can only be achieved through collective responsibility and trust between residents and law enforcement agencies.
Presidents General in attendance included Mr. Henry Uzor of Ejeme Aniogor, Mr. Mathias Nwaebichi of Ukwu Oba, Mr. Collins Okofu of Adonte, and Mr. Anthony Okolie of Abah Unor.
Others were Chief A .I Okolie of Umute, Engr Christopher Adigwe of Isheagu, Mr. Chris Okeleke of Ubulu Okiti, Prof. Jiff Mokobia of Ubulu Uno, and Chief Joseph Chukwuma of Ewulu.
Also present were Bishop Brian Ilomechine, the President General of Ashama Kingdom, Hon. Samuel Ogidi, and members of the council’s press crew.
