A businessman and philanthropist, Chief Barth Nwibe, has condemned Sunday’s murder of youths in Nibo Community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Nwibe, who commiserated with the community in a statement on Monday, described the incident as unacceptable.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 10 youths were killed at Nibo on Sunday by gunmen.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer of the police command in Anambra State, said that the murder was suspected to be cult-related.
Nwibe said that increase in cult-related killings were regrettable.
Nwibe, a governorship aspirant in the state, said the killings were a sad reminder of the security challenge in the state.
“It was with a heavy heart and deep sense of loss that I received the news of the senseless mass killing of Nibo youths during the Onwa Asaa’ festival.
“Murder is condemnable and unacceptable in any sane society. It is more worrisome that the incident happened in broad daylight.
“I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the traditional ruler and the people of Nibo for this huge loss,” he said.
Nwibe reiterated his call for greater ease of doing business and industrialisation to create employment opportunities, reduce poverty and positively engage the youth.
He said that insecurity had become a major challenge in the state, and urged that it should be tackled urgently.