In recent times, Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing surge in cult-related killings, leaving a trail of death and destruction in its wake. The alarming rise in these senseless murders has sent shockwaves across the nation, with many calling for urgent action to stem the tide of violence. Korede Abdullah delves into the heart of this crisis, unravels the face of the deadly threat.
The dark world of cultism reveals the horrors faced by victims and their families. Cultism has been waxing strong. But what is behind its growth and what are the factors driving this deadly phenomenon? Indeed, cult killings have been plaguing Nigeria. And the spate of its deaths leaves everyone gripping and worrying.
In the shadows of Nigeria’s geographical landscape, a sinister tide of terror has been rising, as cult killings have continued to spread like wildfire, leaving a trail of blood-soaked streets, shattered families, and communities gripped by fear.
Killings across the country
The rate of cult related killings is both alarming and perplexing. This unfortunate phenomenon remains very difficult to imagine its widespread. From the convoluted streets of Lagos to the ancient towns of the Niger Delta, and from the rolling hills of Ogun to the sun-kissed cities of the southeast, the cults have cast a deadly spell, summoning forth a maelstrom of violence that has claimed countless lives, and threatens to consume everything in its path.
A staggering harvest of deaths
Earlier, Africa Health Report AHR, published a shocking revelation of deaths by cult groups. In the AHR investigations a grim trend of cult-related violence was uncovered, showing an alarming average of 50 deaths per state since January this year, resulting in a total of approximately 1800 lives lost across the country.
This disturbing statistic sheds light on the devastating scale of the cult killings, which have claimed thousands of lives, leaving families shattered, communities traumatized, and the nation reeling in horror.
As the death toll mounts, and the cries of the bereaved echo through the land, one question hangs in the air: will this reign of terror ever end?’
Blood Oath: Catch Them Young Killer Squad in Nigeria
The deadly cult groups are growing in strength and spread.
But Nigerian youth and young adult demographies are worst victims as they constitute recruitment grounds. They expand their networks and carry out heartbreaking catastrophe.
PIND Foundation report on killings
A recent report by the Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta (PIND) revealed a disturbing trend of cult and gang-related violence in Rivers State, resulting in the deaths of at least 202 persons over the past three years.
According to PIND’s weekly update, there has been a surge in organized criminality in the Niger Delta region, with Rivers State being particularly affected by gang-related violence.
The report highlights the intense clashes between rival cult gangs as a primary driver of conflict and insecurity in the state.
P4P data on number of deaths
Another data extracted from the P4P Peace Map, a heat map that tracks violence in the region, shows that between January 2021 and September 2023, cult and gang violence led to over 300 fatalities.
This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for effective measures to address the root causes of this violence and ensure the safety and security of residents in Rivers State.
Police operations in Ahoada, Rivers
According to the report, Ahoada recorded the highest number of cult-related killing incidents, with a staggering 63 deaths, followed closely by Port Harcourt Local Government Area, which witnessed 60 fatalities.
On Monday, May 20, the Police in the Ahoada West Local Government, engaged in a fierce shootout with the notorious ‘Greenlanders’ cult group in the Owube Kingdom.
During the exchange of fire, the Police successfully neutralized the cult’s commander, Izuma David Odiereke, alias ‘Solution’ and some other notorious members.
Odiereke had been a thorn in the side of law enforcement for nearly a decade, evading capture and continuing to wreak havoc in the region.
His notorious reputation and elusive nature had earned him a spot on the Police’s wanted list for almost ten years, making his eventual demise a major victory for the authorities.
The successful operation is seen as a significant milestone in the fight against cultism and violent crime in the area.
Bayelsa as a killing field
In neighbouring state of Bayelsa, more than 200 cult and gang related fatalities were reported in Bayelsa State between January 2022 and December 2023.
And the figures have increased since the beginning of the year as a result of resurgence of cult and gang related violence in the state, driven mainly by battles for supremacy and territorial control
among the gangs.
In February, for instance, five persons were reportedly killed and several others injured during a clash between rival cult gangs in Amarata community,
Killings in other parts of N/Delta
The bloodbath is not limited to Bayelsa and Rivers. Other parts of the oil-rich Niger Delta region have also witnessed a harrowing harvest of deaths as rival cult groups engage in a deadly cycle of violence, cutting short countless lives across various states.
Edo State, Delta State, Akwa Ibom State, and Cross River State have all been scarred by the senseless killings, as cultists clash in a frenzy of bloodshed, leaving families and communities shattered in their wake.
In the Southwest
Cult-related violence has continued to rear its ugly head in the southwestern part of Nigeria by claiming the lives of at least 24 people, including a traditional chief, in Ogun State between January and June this year.
Ogun as the theatre of bloodbath
The affected areas include Ijebu-Ode, Shagamu, Abeokuta, Ijoko, Otta, and other towns in the state, where rival cult groups have been engaged in a deadly cycle of violence.
The victims include a traditional ruler, and several other residents who were caught in the crossfire. The killings have sent shockwaves through the affected communities, leaving families and loved ones to mourn the loss of their dear ones.
There has been a persistent series of mayhem in Shagamu where blood-thirsty cultists engage in deadly clashes in broad daylight, making residents to live in fear.
The town of Sagamu has been plagued by a wave of cult violence, with at least four bloody clashes occurring between January and September 2023, resulting in the tragic loss of approximately 30 lives.
In response to the escalating crisis, Governor Dapo Abiodun intervened in March, ordering the state Commissioner of Police, the Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, and the Director of the Department of State Services to deploy their operations to the Sagamu area and take decisive action to apprehend those responsible for the cult activities, in a bid to restore peace and security to the embattled town.
Governor Abiodun’s directive to security agencies to crack down on cult activities in Sagamu was prompted by a series of bloody clashes between rival cult groups, Eiye and Aiye confraternities.
The Governor’s statement, issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, came after the June incident, in which more than 30 lives were reportedly lost in a confrontation between the cult groups around Ijagba
The cult-related violence in Ogun State has been attributed to the activities of rival groups, who have been vying for supremacy in the area. The clashes have resulted in the loss of many lives, with many more injured and displaced.
Residents have continued to call for increased security presence and proactive measures to prevent further loss of lives and restore peace to the affected communities.
Lagos wave of cult violence
Lagos State is also plagued by the presence of over 10 cult groups, which have infiltrated various neighbourhoods and exert control over specific territories, extorting money from businesses and residents.
These cults, whose membership spans across different age groups, operate with impunity, wielding significant influence and instilling fear in the communities they dominate.
Despite the lack of official statistics on their numbers and impact, the cults’ grip on Lagos is undeniable, with their activities contributing to a pervasive sense of insecurity and lawlessness in the state.
Cult-related violence took a deadly toll on Lagos with various neighbourhoods being turned into battlegrounds for rival groups. Since last year, areas such as Alakuko, Bariga, Ikotun, Igando, Iyana-Iba, Osodi, Ayetoro in Ijanikin, and Coker Aguda have witnessed a surge in killings, leaving residents in a state of fear and uncertainty.
The cult groups, identified as Aiye, Eiye, and Black Axe, among others, have been engaged in a brutal struggle for supremacy, resulting in the loss of numerous lives.
The victims include innocent bystanders, rival gang members, and even law enforcement officers. The violence has also led to the destruction of properties, displacement of residents, and disruption of economic activities.
The scourge of cult killings has spread its dark tentacles across the southwest, leaving no state unscathed, as Ekiti, Ondo, Oyo, and Osun struggle to contain the menace.
In these states, the eerie silence of the night is often shattered by the sound of gunfire and screams, as rival cult groups clash in a deadly game of supremacy, leaving trails of blood and tears in their wake.
Causes of cultism
Africa Health Report spoke with Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf, a media practitioner, according to him, “The causes of cultism among Nigerian youths are complex and multifaceted. One major factor is the search for identity and belonging.
“Many young people, especially in their teenage years, seek to find their place in society and feel a sense of connection with others.”
Alhaji Yusuf advised parents to pay adequate attention to their wards be open to them and always give them necessary counselling.
“Cults often prey on the youths’ vulnerability, offering a sense of community and acceptance that may be lacking in their lives.” , he noted.
Another responder who spoke to our correspondent, Mr Opeyemi Oyerinde, a security analyst, said that a desire for power and protection also drives the youths to join the cult groups.
Acv to Oyerinde, “In a society where violence and crime are prevalent, some youths may feel that joining a cult provides them with a sense of security and the ability to defend themselves.
“Additionally, cults often promise their members power, wealth, and influence, which can be attractive to young people who feel marginalized or disenfranchised.”
Others were of the view that socio-economic factors played a role in the rise of cultism among Nigerian youths.
They listed factors such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunities as leading to frustration and disillusionment, making young people more susceptible to the allure of cults.
To Mallam Ridwan Olusola, an Islamic cleric, breakdown of traditional values and family structures has created a vacuum that cults can exploit.
“The breakdown of traditional values and family structures in Nigeria has led to a lack of guidance, supervision, and support for young people, making them more vulnerable to the influence of cults and other negative groups.
“Not only that, the disintegration of family units and community bonds has created a sense of disconnection and disorientation among youths, leading them to seek alternative forms of belonging and identity in cults.”, Alhaji Olusola lamented.
To Mr Olawale Oni, a psychologist, the influence of social media and popular culture cannot be ignored.
“The glorification of violence and gang culture in music, movies, and social media can normalize cult behaviour and make it seem appealing to young people.
“Overall, the causes of cultism among Nigerian youths are deeply rooted in societal, economic, and cultural factors, requiring a comprehensive approach to address the problem.”
Consequences of cult activities in Nigeria
The scourge of cultism has left a trail of devastation in its wake, claiming countless lives and leaving families shattered. The senseless killings, often a result of clashes between rival cult groups or brutal initiation rites, have become an all too familiar reality in Nigeria.
The destruction of properties, including homes, businesses, and public infrastructure, has added to the economic woes of the country, displacing people and causing untold hardship. The impact of cult-related violence on the nation’s economy cannot be overstated.
As Mr Wale Oni added, the effects of cultism go beyond the physical realm. Survivors of cult attacks and family members of victims often suffer from psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
The emotional scars of these experiences can last a lifetime, making it even more imperative to address the root causes of cultism.
Solutions to cultism
This can include creating job opportunities and providing support for education and skills development, to reduce the allure of cults for vulnerable youth.
Additionally, the government can establish special task forces to monitor and prosecute cult activities and provide support for victims of cult violence.
Parents, schools, and communities also have a crucial role to play in preventing cultism. Parents can provide guidance and support to their children, encouraging them to make positive choices and avoid negative influences.
Schools can incorporate anti-cultism education into their curricula, teaching students about the dangers of cultism and promoting positive values. Communities can work together to identify and report suspicious cult activities and provide support for families affected by cultism.
Rehabilitation and reintegration programs are also essential for former cultists, to help them leave the cult lifestyle behind and reintegrate into society. These programs can include counselling, skills training, and education, to help former cultists build positive futures.
Governments, NGOs, and community organizations can work together to establish and fund these programs, providing a supportive environment for former cultists to rebuild their lives.
Furthermore, community-based initiatives can be effective in preventing cultism, such as youth empowerment programs, sports, and cultural activities that provide positive alternatives to cult involvement.
Community leaders and influencers can also play a key role in speaking out against cultism and promoting positive values.
Ultimately, a multi-faceted approach is needed to combat cultism, involving government initiatives, parental guidance, school education, community engagement, and rehabilitation programs.
As Lagosians continued to discuss the pressing issue of cultism and its devastating effects on the country’s youth, the Lagos State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, took proactive steps to address the problem by passing the anti-cultism bill in February 2021.
The bill was subsequently signed into law by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, marking a significant move towards curbing the menace of cultism in the state. Other states are urged to emulate Lagos in this regard.
