The Ezinano community in Awka has warned cultists and other criminals in Anambra State to avoid the area because of its zero tolerance for their activities.

Speaking at a security summit held yesterday in Awka, Anambra State, the convener, Chief Jeff Nweke, condemned what he termed the worsening spate of cultism and killings in Awka and its environs.

Nweke, who spoke at the occasion themed ‘Combating, Preventing Violent Crimes and Menace of Cultism in Awka’, lamented that the victims are Awka youths and some non-indigenes.

He said: “In recent times, violence and violent crimes have increased with killings, kidnapping. Our sons are dying with impunity. We reject violent crimes, we abhor criminality and swear that it will not continue.

“As far as the Ezinano people are concerned, we will organise a reconciliation meeting for everybody by December. All cult members will renounce their membership. We have zero tolerance for cultism.”

Ezinano comprises four quarters: Ezi Awka, Amaikwo, Umuokpu, and Agulu.

Speaking at the event, the Anambra State Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Anieken Ayo, said the police can not do their work alone but need the cooperation of the public, especially the people of the Ezinano community.

He assured security operatives would continue supporting the Ezinano community to solve its insecurity problems.