Women Protest Insecurity As Cult Violence Rocks Warri Communities

WOMEN and young girls from parts of Warri South Local Government Area on Tuesday took to the streets in protest over increasing cult-related killings and insecurity affecting several communities in the area.

The peaceful demonstration, which ended at the Warri South Council Secretariat, drew attention to growing concerns over violent clashes allegedly involving rival cult groups in Odion Road, Ogedegbe and Iyara communities.

Protesters Decry Fear And Economic Hardship

The protesters said residents had been gripped by fear for more than a week following repeated attacks and killings in the affected neighbourhoods.

According to them, the insecurity has disrupted social and commercial activities, with many traders and business owners afraid to operate freely.

They also alleged that criminal elements had exploited the situation to rob and intimidate innocent residents.

Placards displayed during the protest carried messages calling for peace and immediate government intervention.

Appeal For Government Action

The women appealed to security agencies and local authorities to intensify efforts aimed at ending cult violence and restoring safety to the communities.

Some of the demonstrators lamented the emotional and economic toll the killings have taken on families, saying many homes had lost young men to violent clashes.

They stressed that continued insecurity could further damage the social and economic wellbeing of the area if urgent steps were not taken.

Authorities Respond

Responding to the protest, the Head of Personnel Management of Warri South Local Government, Mrs. Remi Omastuli, assured the women that their complaints would be conveyed to the council chairman.

She urged residents to remain calm while authorities work towards addressing the security concerns raised during the demonstration.

The protesters also called on youths to reject cultism and embrace peaceful coexistence in the interest of community development and lasting peace.