Recent Cult Related Killings in Awka Metropolis (2022-2024) and The Implications on the Society
Keywords:
Cultism, Awka Metropolis, Violence, Implications, SocietyAbstract
This study examines the recent cult-related killings in Awka Metropolis between 2022 and 2024 and their implications for society. The research highlights the rise in violent activities associated with various cult groups, analyzing their causes, patterns, and socio-economic effects. Through qualitative and quantitative methods, the study explores factors such as youth unemployment, peer influence, drug abuse, and political manipulation as key drivers of cultism. Data were gathered from security reports, eyewitness accounts, and community surveys to assess the frequency and nature of these killings. Findings reveal an alarming increase in cult-related violence, leading to loss of lives, heightened insecurity, disruption of businesses, and psychological trauma among residents. Additionally, the study evaluates the response of law enforcement agencies and the effectiveness of government policies in curbing cult-related violence. The paper concludes by recommending proactive measures such as community policing, public awareness campaigns, employment opportunities for youths, and strict law enforcement to mitigate the menace. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on urban security and the need for collaborative efforts in addressing cultism in Nigerian society.
Downloads
References
Adebayo, T. (2020). Psychological effects of violence in urban centers. Lagos: Greenlight Publishers.
Adekunle, J. (2022). Youth Violence in Nigeria: Causes and Solutions. Lagos: Unity Press.
Adewale, R. (2005). Violence in the citadel: The menace of secret cults in the Nigerian universities. In Nordic Journal of African Studies, 14, 1, 79-98.
Adeyemi, L. (2022). Faith and Fear: Religious Life in an Age of Uncertainty. Ibadan: Dominion Press.
Afigbo, A. E. (1981). Ropes of Sand: Studies in Igbo History and Culture. Ibadan: University Press.
Chidiebere, F. (2021). The Politics of Cultism in Nigeria. Enugu: Hilltop Publications.
Chukwuma, A. (2018). The Impact of Criminal Activities on Public Infrastructure. Owerri: Boldstep Press.
Eke, I. C. (2018). Awka Development Union Nigeria (ADUN), Lagos Chapter and the socio-economic development of Awka; 1970-2013. A B.A project submitted to the Department of History and International Studies, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka.
Ekechi, F. K. (1972). Missionary Enterprise and Rivalry in Igboland, 1857-1914. London: Frank Cass.
Eyisi, V. (2010). Igbo history with Bible references. Onitsha: Chuvic.
Eze, J. (2019). Youth Violence and the Challenges of Security in Nigeria. Abuja: National Press.
Eze, K. (2022). Crime and Unemployment in Nigeria. Awka: Goldmind Press.
Guardian. (2024). Car thieves kill UNIZIK lecturer in Anambra. Retrieved on 11/2/2025, from https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/car-thieves-kill-unizik-lecturer-in-anambra
Ibe, M. (2020). Corruption and Security in Nigeria. Abuja: Shield Books.
Ifeanyi, K. (2022). Urban Crime and Youth Gang Culture. Ibadan: Unity Books.
Iheanacho, S. (2019). Religious Practices and Security Threats in Nigeria. Nsukka: Divine Publications.
Obianeri, I (2024) Gunmen kill six near Unizik school gate. Retrieved on 7/2/2025, from https://punchng.com/gunmen-kill-six-near-unizik-school-gate/
Ilogu, E. (1974). Christianity and Igbo Culture. Enugu: NOK Publishers.
Isichei, E. (1976). A History of the Igbo People. London: Macmillan.
Mgbemena, S. C. (2025). Departmental Seminar. An Unpublished Lecture Note
Nevbechi, E. (2011). Who are the Oka people? Awka: Demercury Bright.
Nwachukwu, C. (2020). Moral Decay in Nigerian Society. Onitsha: Sunrise Publications.
Nwankwo, I. (2021). Mental Health and Insecurity in Nigeria. Port Harcourt: Mindwell Publishers.
Nwosu, J. (1993). Politics and Governance in Igboland. Onitsha: Africana Publishers.
Obi, P. (2023). Government Responses to Urban Violence in Nigeria. Benin: Leadership Books.
Obi, U. (2021). Political Violence and Thuggery in Nigeria. Port Harcourt: Phoenix Press.
Umeh, T. (2019). Parenting and Youth Development in Nigeria. Owerri: Destiny Books.
Obilor, I. J. (1998). The problem of language in religious education. Frankfurt: Peter Lang.
Odinye, J. (2024) Suspected Cultists Kill Three Brothers in Anambra. Retrieved on 6/2/2025, from https://www.channelstv.com/2024/11/02/suspected-cultists-kill-three-brothers-in-anambra/
Okafor, A. (1992). The Awka people. Onitsha: Chudon.
Okafor, F. C. (1992). Igbo Traditional Leadership and Modern Governance. Enugu: Fourth Dimension.
Okechukwu, M. (2020). Fear and Anxiety in Contemporary Nigerian Society. Awka: Zenith Publications.
Okeke, C. (2021). The Social Cost of Cultism in Nigeria. Enugu: Sunrise Press.
Okeke, P. (2019). The Rise of Cultism in Nigerian Universities. Ibadan: Spectrum Books.
Okonkwo, F. (2021). Entrepreneurial Growth and Security Challenges. Lagos: NextGen Publishers.
Onuoha, F. (2019). Youth unemployment in Awka: The role of the Church. A B.A project submitted to the Department of Religion and Human Relations, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka.
Onwuejeogwu, M. A. (1975). Igbo Civilization: Nri Kingdom and Hegemony. London: Ethnographica.
Punch. (2024). UNIZIK lecturer shot dead in Anambra carjacking attempt. Retrieved 11/2/2025, from https://punchng.com/unizik-lecturer-shot-dead-in-anambra-carjacking-attempt
Tunde, S. (2004). Police arrest corps member, 3 for cultism. Retrieved on 6/2/2025, from http://allafrica.com/stories/printable/200402160812.html
Uche, N. (2017). Economic Consequences of Insecurity in Nigerian Cities. Onitsha: Eagle Press.
Ugonna, I. (2018). Nigeria history, culture and me: History of Awka. Retrieved on December 25, 2024, from www.gennamichelleblog.wordpress.com/2014/history-of-awka-people-and-the-imoka-festival.
Ujumadu, V. (2024). Cultism: The menace scaring Awka people from their palatial homes. Retrieved on 7/2/2025, from https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/06/cultism-the-menace-scaring-awka-people-from-their-palatial-homes/
Ukandu, M. I. (2011). The menace of kidnapping in Abia state: A study on the strategic role of religion in the amelioration of violent crime. A Master’s Thesis submitted to the Department of Religion and Cultural Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Published on: 26-06-2025
Also Available On
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Godswill Okechukwu Nwokedi, Albert Ulutorti Green, Chibunkem Jonathan Felix-Joe, Nganwuchu Geoffrey Chiazo, Umeokoli Paul Okechukwu, Ven. Molokwu, Geoffrey Chidebem

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors contributing to this journal retain the copyright of their articles but agree to publish their articles under the terms of the Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) allowing third parties to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format, and to remix, transform, and build upon the material, for any purpose, even commercially, under the condition that appropriate credit is given, that a link to the license is provided, and that they indicate if changes were made. They may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses them or their use.