Abakaliki residents lament increasing rate of burglary theft, cult clashes

Abakaliki residents have continued to call attention to the increase in the rate of burglary, theft of food stuffs and cult clashes in Ebonyi.

Recent cult clashes in some parts of Abakaliki led to loss of lives, just as the clashes have had untoward effects on business activities in parts of Abakaliki Local Government Area.

Some residents have complained that aside cult activities, burglaries and theft of foodstuffs had become worrisome.

Mrs Chinenye Orji, a resident said many had lost valuable items and foodstuffs to burglars and to petty thieves.

She said assailants once forced a neighbour to empty her bank account using a Point of Sale machine they carried into the victim’s house.

“It is so bad; we no longer sleep with our eyes closed. There are fears everywhere because of cult activities in some parts,’’ she said.

Another resident, Mr Job Okereke, told NAN that burglars raided his neighbour’s apartment in broad daylight on Tuesday and carted away foodstuffs unchallenged as occupants had gone away to their various businesses.

“We need government and security agencies’ intervention. Our businesses are crumbling and the economic situation in the country is not helping either,’’ he lamented.

Responding, Chairman, Abakaliki Local Government Council, Mr Ebere Nwogba, assured that government was determined to address the situation to ensure restoration of peace and orderliness in the area.

“To end violence and cult-related activities in Abakaliki and environs, I have had an enlarged security meeting with security chiefs, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

“It is sad that cult activities and burglaries are inflicting pains on the people, particularly on bereaved families,’’ he said.

Efforts to get police reactions were abortive.