From Geoffrey Anyanwu, Awka

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The Achalla community in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State has sent a Save-our-Soul (SOS) invitation to the Nigerian Police, alleging frequent attacks by a cult group.
People of the community, who stormed the state Police Command headquarters yesterday in a peaceful protest, alleged that a cult group codenamed, Black Eagles, sponsored by some influential members from within and outside the community were terrorising them to the extent of destroying homes of people not loyal to them.
Spokesman, Mr. Obinna Nweke said some of the alleged cult members were arrested with dangerous weapons and urged the Police to prosecute them.
He said the people of Achalla desperately needed the security agencies to wade into the situation in their community and liberate the people from fear and danger.
“We, the Achalla people, no longer sleep in peace because a cult group formed about a year ago has taken over the job of our community vigilante and is now terrorizing us.
“Some of them were arrested with axes, machetes and guns, but surprisingly they were released without being prosecuted, we want the police to investigate the cases of arsons in our community and bring the perpetrators and their sponsors to book.
“These attacks were carried out under the protection of some indigenes of Achalla and influential people in Awka North, the Police must intervene now before it consumes us,” he said.
In a letter of appeal submitted to the Police, the people added: “We the good people of Achalla call on the Police to arrest, and prosecute the Black Eagles cult now terrorising the community.”
Signed by the Prime Minister of Achalla, Chief Akuzu Nwokedi, the letter prayed the Police and Anambra State government to protect Achalla community by making the vigilante group, whose roles had been hijacked by the cult group, alive again.
They urged the Police to stop some prominent people in Awka North who were fanning the embers of hate and violence in the interest of general peace and security of the people.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Sam Okaula told newsmen that the complaints about the attacks on the people of the community were being investigated.
He said some people had been arrested in relation to the matter and were being quizzed, adding that he had met with elders and stakeholders of the Achalla, including the Prime Minister who represented the traditional ruler of the town, HRM Alex Nwokedi, assuring that the Police were on top of the situation and justice would be done.