I thought someone had died.

But what he described was something else entirely.

On his way back from work in Awka last Friday, a group of men in uniforms who identified themselves as “anti-cult” officers stopped him. They arrested him, stripped him, beat him, and threw him into a dark cell.

He said the floor smelled strongly of urine.

He was left there overnight.

The next day, they brought him out and searched his phone. They found nothing linking him to fraud or any crime. Still, that didn’t end it.

They demanded money.

They went through his banking apps and forced him to transfer money to them before releasing him.

It is difficult to even process.

According to him, this is not an isolated incident. He said young men are frequently targeted, harassed, threatened, and intimidated. Some are allegedly told they could be killed if they refuse to cooperate.

No one should have to go through that.

If you are in Awka, please be cautious.

Be mindful of your movements.

Avoid unnecessary night travel if possible.

Let someone know your location when you’re out.

This is not to spread panic. It is to raise awareness.

Everyone deserves to feel safe moving around their own city.