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Ezinano Community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has announced a reward of N10m for anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible for the killing of 16 people during the Onwa Asaa festival in Nibo community in the council area.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that within the month of October, 2024, attacks on residents at Nibo community, Unizik second-gate Awka and Okpouno community, all in the council area have left about twenty five people dead-including some citizens of the protested Ezinano Community.
The Community leader, Chief Jeff Nweke, who made the bounty announcement during the Second Edition of Ezinano Day, a celebration of the community’s culture and heritage, maintained that such attacks cannot be justified, and the masterminds of the attacks must be unmasked and brought to justice.
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“To reinforce our commitment and seriousness on this issue, I, on behalf of the Ezinano people. wish to announce a ten million Naira (N10,000,000.00) reward for any useful information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators of these heinous attacks on our peacefully loved area,” he noted.
“We will not rest until justice is served, adding “The Ezinano Community will not tolerate violence or cultism. We urge anyone with information to come forward and help bring the perpetrators to justice.”
“Nweke urged residents of the affected areas to report anybody bearing firearms who is not a security or Vigilante personnel to any nearest security stations for prompt action.
He further charged security agencies to leave no stone unturned in their investigation.
In addition to the bounty, Chief Nweke also unveiled a N100m empowerment fund for local women, initially launching with N50m.
The fund aims to support women-led initiatives and promote economic development in the area.
“The empowerment programme is part of our commitment to building a prosperous and peaceful community,” Chief Nweke explained.
He added, “We believe that empowering women is key to unlocking our community’s potential.”
Meanwhile, Chief Jeff Nweke has hinted that he would hand over the mantle of Ezinano community leadership to another person before the end of December, 2024.
