Members of Ibassa Ijegun Egba Youth Association yesterday decried increasing rate of cultism in their community located in Oriade Local Council Development Area of Lagos.
The Chairman, Mr. Kareem Idowu, in a statement in Lagos said residents could no longer sleep in their homes comfortably or walk round the community freely.
He said there had been unrest in the community because of the activities of the cultists.
“Residents and indigenes are finding it difficult to walk freely. Business merchants cannot go about their businesses without fear.
“Children can no longer go to school and activities of the community have been placed on hold due to the criminal activities of these notorious cultists, who have taken over our peaceful community.
“Their notorious action has not only affected the community mentally, but has also affected our community psychologically and economically,” Idowu said.
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He said at first it was a battle between rival groups, but it later degenerated into something else such as daylight robbery, extortion and attempted rape on young girls.
“They now brutalise and intimidate innocent members of the community with guns, cutlasses, axes and other dangerous weapons.
“These cultists are not indigenes. They did not originate from our community,” Idowu said.
The General Secretary, Mr. Wakili Jaiyeolu, said the town was deeply rooted in Yoruba culture where members co-existed in peace and harmony.
“But as we speak now, the reverse is the case, as cultists have taken over our community.”
He implored Lagos State Government, Inspector General of Police and others to come to their rescue “before these hoodlums start killing innocent citizens.”