In recent times, Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing surge in cult-related killings, with reports of gruesome murders and bloody clashes between rival groups flooding the headlines. The violence has left a trail of death and destruction in its wake, with many innocent lives lost and families shattered.
Checks by Africa Health Report AHR, show that an average of 50 cult related deaths occurred in each of the 36 states of the federation, including the FCT, totalling 1800 lives gruesomely lost since January.
According to investigations by our correspondent, the cult killings have been particularly rampant in the southern parts of Nigeria.
Further investigations show there is a spike in the South west region of the country. Take for instance, in Ogun state alone, 24 deaths were recorded in six months.
AHR’s findings show that states like Rivers, Bayelsa, Ogun and Lagos have been the epicentres, where rival groups such as the Eiye and Aiye confraternities have been engaged in a deadly battle for supremacy.
Investigations by AHR have revealed that the cult killings are often carried out with brutal efficiency, with victims shot, stabbed, or hacked to death in broad daylight.
The motivations behind the cult killings according to experts are often driven by a desire for power, prestige, and control.
“Cult members believe that by killing their rivals, they can gain dominance and respect within their ranks.”, says Mr Opeyemi Oyerinde
The newspaper also learned that cult killings were linked to political and economic interests, with some groups allegedly sponsored by politicians and business leaders to carry out attacks on their behalf.
The cult killings continue to spread, with many Nigerians living in fear of being attacked or killed.
Those who spoke with our correspondent called on the government and other stakeholders to take decisive action to address the root causes of the crisis and work towards bringing the perpetrators to justice.
As the death toll continues to rise, Nigerians are calling for an end to the senseless violence and mindless bloodshed.
Full story in Africa Health Report soon…
