The Nation Newspaper

Tag: cultism

  • 500 youths renounce cultism in Bayelsa, join volunteer service

    Over 500 youths yesterday gathered in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital and denounced their membership of various secret cults.

    The youths, who hailed from different local government areas in the state, said they were moved to take the action following various opportunities created by Governor Seriake Dickson for youth empowerment.

    Lamenting the evil of cultism, the youths said they were deceived to join secret associations by some of their leaders, but thanked the governor for bringing them out of darkness.

    They also vowed to assist security agencies and the state government fight crimes in the state.

    The youths took their stand against cultism at a brief ceremony organised by the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Volunteers (BSV), Prince Douye Koroye, at the BSV’s office in Yenagoa.

    They were received by Koroye, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Boma Sparo-Jack; Majority Leader, State House of Assembly, Dr. Peter Akpe; the Central Zone Chairman, Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Tare Porri and other Dickson’s aides such as Jeremaiah Owoupele and Bonny Aya.

    Koroye declared that the youths, who took anti-cultism oaths administered by Sparo-Jack and signed denunciation forms, would be enlisted into the special squad of the state volunteer service.

    He said Dickson desired the youths to stay clear of crimes to enable them achieve their potential and contribute positively to the development of the state.

    He said the amended anti-cultism law passed recently by the House of Assembly was a demonstration of Dickson’s commitment to end cultism as it strengthened punishments for convicted cultists.

    He said persons, who voluntarily renounce cultism with a sincerity of purpose, would not be penalised adding that the state required peace for development.

    Akpe urged the youths to rise above cultism to take advance of various opportunities in the oil and gas sector.

    He said Dickson was doing everything possible to destroy “the cancer called cultism”, adding that cultism is demonic since its activities take place mostly at night.

    He said: “Cultism will take you nowhere and that is why your decision to renounce it is in the right direction.”

  • 500 youths renounce cultism in Bayelsa, join volunteer service

    Over 500 youths yesterday gathered in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital and denounced their membership of various secret cult groups.

    The youths, who hailed from different local government areas in the state, said they were moved to take the action following various opportunities created by the State Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, for youth empowerment.

    Lamenting the evil of cultism, the youths said they were deceived to join secret associations by some of their leaders, but thanked the governor for bringing them out of darkness.

    They also vowed to assist security agencies and the State Government to fight crimes in the state.

    The youths took their stand against cultism at a brief ceremony organised by the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Volunteers (BSV), Prince Douye Koroye, at the BSV’s office in Yenagoa.

    They were received by Koroye, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Boma Sparo-Jack; Majority Leader, State House of Assembly, Dr. Peter Akpe; the Central Zone Chairman, Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Tare Porri and other Dickson’s aides such as Jeremaiah Owoupele and Bonny Aya.

    Koroye declared that the youths, who took anti-cultism oaths administered by Sparo-Jack and signed denunciation forms, would be enlisted into the special squad of the state volunteer service.

    He said Dickson desired the youths to steer clear of crimes to enable them achieve their potential and contribute positively to the development of the state.

    He said the amended anti-cultism law passed recently by the House of Assembly was a demonstration of Dickson’s commitment to end cultism as it strengthened punishments for convicted cultists.

    He said persons, who voluntarily renounce cultism with a sincerity of purpose, would not be penalised, adding that the state required peace for development.

    Akpe in his keynote address urged the youths to rise above cultism to take advance of various opportunities in the oil and gas sector.

    He said Dickson was doing everything possible to destroy “the cancer called cultism”, adding that cultism is demonic since its activities take place mostly at night.

    Addressing the youths, he said: “Cultism will take you nowhere and that is why your decision to renounce it is in the right direction. It is a killer of destiny. It is a destroyer of lives. Nobody in his true senses will decide to stab and shoot people. It tells you that there is an evil force behind you.”

    Also advising the youths, Sparo-Jack went down memory lane on how he worked hard to rise from grass to grace through manual labour, trading and schooling.

    He told the youths that by dint of hard work, he rose to become the first Bayelsa State Director, Department of State Service (DSS).

    He appealed to the youths to develop their talents by taking advantages of various opportunities created by Dickson in education and other sectors.

    Porri in his part commended the youths for their bold steps and warned them against going back to cult-related activities after their denunciation.

  • Lagos to hold security summit on illegal arms, cultism, drugs abuse

    The Lagos State Government plans security summit on security challenges such as cultism, drug abuse, gender-based crimes and arms proliferation, among others.

    Executive Secretary of the Lagos Security Trust Fund, Dr Abdurrazaq Balogun, stated this yesterday at a news conference in Alausa on the summit which is scheduled for Monday at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island.

    Other critical topics for discussion at the summit are: terrorism, transnational crimes, intelligence and community policing.

    Balogun said the summit followed a pledge by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode at the annual Town Hall Meeting on security held last year that he would convene a larger platform for a more robust deliberation on security issues to proffer actionable solutions.

    “The summit will have four panel sessions on various aspects of security from cultism, drug abuse and gender-based crimes to arms proliferation, terrorism and transnational crimes including intelligence and community policing, among others,” Balogun said.

    He said the theme – “Securing Lagos State: Towards a Sustainable Framework for a Modern Mega City” –  would specifically provide a platform for leaders, leading minds and subject matter experts to share best practices, knowledge and experiences focused on recommendations for a sustainable security framework for the State from 2018 to 2030.

    He said the summit would be used to design and agree on an overall security strategy and system. It will also be deployed to develop homegrown solutions that can be implemented by the State Government.

    He added that a sustainable funding model for security in Lagos State would be brought to the fore at the summit.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Oversees Affairs and Investment, Professor Ademola Abass, recalled the Traffic Summit held at the inception which to a large extent, helped in developing solutions to traffic challenges in the state. He expressed confidence that the Security Summit would come up with acceptable and sustainable solutions to the challenges in the sector.

    Abass said a British-Nigerian scholar and founder of African Leadership Centre, Professor Funmi Olonisakin, would deliver a lead paper on “Leveraging Global Best Practices for a Security Network for Lagos State” while Police chief Imohimi Edgal will present a paper on important security data.

  • Policemen, students arraigned for ‘cultism’, ‘gunrunning’

    Two policemen and two students of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) were among 17 suspects arraigned by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for alleged cultism and gunrunning.

    The suspects were arraigned at an Uyo High Court presided over by Justice Archibong Archibong.

    They are facing charges of alleged involvement in cultism, illegal possession of firearms and others.

    This is happening barely two weeks after Governor Udom Emmanuel signed an order proscribing 33 cults.

    Police spokesman Odiko Macdon Ogbeche told The Nation in Uyo that 17 of the suspects, including two policemen, two students and a 29-year-old phone repairer at Ibom Plaza roundabout were among those prosecuted by the command.

    It was gathered that while one of the policemen was attached to Ibom International Airport, the other was a security aide to a lawmaker.

    The two students, it was learnt, are both in their second and third year as undergraduates.

    The suspects admitted being members of the proscribed Ku Klux Klaans (KKK) Confraternity.

    Justice Archibong said the offences contravened Section 6 of the Akwa Ibom State Internal Security Enforcement Law 2009 and Section 6 (1) of the Firearms Special Prohibition Act, 2004.

    He adjourned the case till May 3 for further hearing and cross-examination.

    The Military Joint Task Force (JTF) has arrested two suspects with firearms in Ukanafun Local Government.

    They led the JTF to their hideout in a forest at Ikpe community in Etim Ekpo where others were nabbed.

    The operatives killed 18 hoodlums, who attempted to escape.

  • Video: LG boss hailed for waging war against cultism

    THE people of Badagry in the Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State have commended the Chairman of the local government, Olusegun Onilude, for his battle against cultism.

    Community, traditional, political and religious leaders expressed their gratitude to the chairman for the battle which brought about the renunciation of cultism by a group of cultists.

    It was happiness galore for the people of the town who are determined to cooperate with the chairman in his war against cultism which had created tension in the local  government area.

    The people of the town on Thursday heaved a sigh of relief as 150 cultists from three dangerous groups, who had been a security threat to the people of the area, laid down their arms and renounced the membership of their various deadly groups.

    The event was witnessed by various heads of security agencies, including the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Edgar Imohimi, and political, religious and traditional leaders from the local government area and other parts of the state

    The cultists laid down such dangerous weapons such as AK47, pump action guns, locally made pistols, axes, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons.

    In his address at the renunciation ceremony, Onilude, who expressed optimism in the sincerity of the cultists to turn a new leaf and contribute positively to the development of the society, challenged them to choose freedom.

    “The decision to quit cultism cannot be forced on you. It has to be from the inside of you. I challenge you to choose freedom. Identify your purpose in life and strive to achieve that purpose,” Onilude said.

    Onilude pointed out that when the administration in the council came on board last year, “Badagry was experiencing cases of gang wars and cult related crimes. We made up our mind to rid our local government area of traces of cultism. Today’s event is as a result of weeks of painstaking interactions and sacrifices,” he said.

    While accepting the former cultists into the fold of the Badagry society, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Edgar Imohimi, noted that cultism was the greatest security challenge in Lagos State.

    The police boss said the community vigilance should not be left with the security agencies alone, adding that “it requires concerted efforts of political, religious, traditional and community leaders”.

    He urged local government chairmen and religious and traditional leaders to organize enlightenment programmes for youths in their various communities on the problems posed by cultism and drug abuse to the society.

  • Teenagers held for ‘cultism, possessing lethal weapons’

    Two teenage boys — Femi Adebayo and Olumide Kehinde — were on yesterday arraigned at an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, over alleged membership of an unlawful society and possession of some lethal weapons.

    Adebayo, 18, and Kehinde, 18, is facing a five-count charge of belonging to and managing an unlawful society, conspiracy, unlawful possession of dangerous weapons and charms.

    Both pleaded not guilty.

    According to Prosecuting Inspector Julius Babatope, the accused committed the offences on March 9 at 1.00 a.m. at Ori Okuta, Imota on Ikorodu-Epe Road.

    He said the accused had in their possession axes, a pistol and charms.

    “They were also found to belong to a society known as K.K. confraternity.”

    Chief Magistrate O.A. Adegite granted the two teenagers bail in the sum of N100, 000 each with two responsible sureties each.

    Adegite said the sureties should be gainfully employed with an evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    She adjourned the case until April 11.

  • Security chiefs move to end sea piracy in A’Ibom waterways

    Security chiefs move to end sea piracy in A’Ibom waterways

    Incessant attacks on waterways, Youth restiveness, cultism as well as terrorism and how to end the upsurge in crime were the resolution and action point during the meeting with all the security agencies in Akwa Ibom Wednesday.

    The security summit which was an interactive session between security agencies and local government chairmen across the 31 local council areas in the state reviewed security situation in each council area.

    Stakeholders brainstormed on how to stem the tide of terrorism, cultism and youth restiveness in the state.

    The security meeting further analysed security issues in some volatile council areas of Akwa Ibom State with particular attention to Ukanafun, Etim Ekpo, Ika and other coastal areas such as Ibeno, Esit Eket, Ikot Abasi and Eastern Obolo.

    Cases of pirate encroachment from neighboring riverine states which frustrates activities of fishermen and oil companies operating in the areas were also discussed.

    Security chiefs and council chairman also deliberated on the worrisome security situation in Ukanfun, Etim Ekpo and Ika council areas where terrorists hold sway for about two years and vowed to change the narratives in the months ahead.

    In an interview after the security meeting, the Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Police Adeyemi Ofuseyimi said the security session had resolved with council chairmen to harness youth potentials in their various council across as a panacea to cultism and youth restiveness.

    He said when the local governments who are closer to the youths were able to engage the youths with meaningful skill, youth would become useful citizen and contribute their quota to the society.

    The Police Boss observed that when youths were idle; they were compelled to belong to cult groups to occupy their mind and time and encouraged the council chairmen to engage youths positively to the benefit of the society.

    Read Also: Anti-Piracy law ‘ll boost maritime security, says Defence Minister

  • IGP monitoring Unit bursts notorious kidnappers camp in Rivers

    IGP monitoring Unit bursts notorious kidnappers camp in Rivers

    Residents of Etche communities of Rivers State and their neighbouring Ukwa area of Abia state can now heave a sigh of relief, following the raid weekend of a notorious gang camp in the area by men of the Inspector-General of Police.

    The people have for a long time lived in intense fear of insecurity,  following the emergence in the area of a criminal group,  led by one Uchenna Okere (a k a Togo).

    The group who has reportedly held sway in the area have been endulged in all manner of criminality including kidnapping,  armed robbery,  killing,  cultusm among others has terrorized the communities to stupor without challenge.

    However help came to the residents last Friday following a midnilight raid of his camp by the IG monitoring unit in the state led by Ben Igwe,  Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).

    The operation reportedly led to the rescue of a 17 year old daughter of a traditional ruler in Etcheland who was in the criminals custody for more than two weeks.

    The men also arrested a member of the gang and recovered arms and live bullets.

    Speaking to the nation, shortly after parading the suspects, Igwe said residents of the community were joyful over the police operations in the areas,  saying that it was the first time police or any other security agency has come to their aide,  since the uprising of Togo and his notorious gang in the place, adding that the exercise would bring about relative peace and security in Etched and it’s environs.

    He said, “If you know the joy if the people over the raiding you will understand that they have been living in great fear of insecurity in the place.

    “There is a notorious kidnapper,  cultist,  killer, name Uchenna Ekere (a. k. a.  Togo),  from Umuoko Etche, where he also built his camp, following a tip-off on the kidnap of the daughter of the traditional ruler of the area and that the people are helpless even when they suspected that the missing girl must be in his custody.

    “Following the outcry,  we left for the community about 1:am Saturday morning when we located their hideout, he engaged the police to a gun battle we over powered them,  they escaped we went in arrested one of them (Gift), and rescued the victim and recovers two guns and ammunition”

    He however vowed that the unit will not rest on its oars until Togo and other members of his gang are apprehended and peace is restored to the area.

    “It is not yet over,  we will continue to comb the area until the kingpin and his members were arrested.  They have ran away but relative peace have return to the communities around there,  even parts of Ukwa  area of Abia state,  where he holds way. He is referred to there as governor, and harvests levy from all the markets in that  axis in each market day,  we must make sure that his illegal reign in the area comes to an end and people there liberated,” he stressed.

    In a separate chat with the suspects, each denied the alleged involvement with the criminality of Togo and his men.

    The suspect said to be arrested from the burst camp,  Gift Nnodim said said,  “I am from Umuokom Etche, I am 21 years old,  I live at Umuokiri Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state, I am a training in welding.

    “I travelled home last Sunday to assist my mother to harvest Palm fruits. This morning (yesterday), while I was in my compound with other members of my family,  the policemen came and held me.  They did not tell me what my offence was,” he said.

    Asked his relationship with one Togo,  the notorious criminal, admitted that he is his kinsman, and a renowned culists.

    Asked his connection with the cultist vowed no involvement with him and his activities,  adding that “If my phone is here right now,  you would have dialed Togo’s number and confirm whether or not it is stored in my phone, at least if I have any dealings with him,  his phone number willl be in phone,” he noted.

    Also speaking another suspect,  Chidiadi James (22) a hair barber said narrating how he was arrested said, “I was arrested from bed this morning.” he said that he was arrested about 6: am Saturday.

    Narrating her ordeal in the hands of her abductors, the victim  said she was beating,  tied up and left in the custody if armed men,  but denied any form of assault on her.

    In her words,  “I was coming back from school, when they accused me with a motor bike and took me away to far away village from where I was kidnapped. There were 15 of them.  They were taking me from one house to the other,  one village to another. They did not take me to their camp in the forest, but one of them pointed to me the direction of their camp.

    “When we got to the first house,  they asked me to release the contact number of my father I told them that I am an orphan, they now said,  then you will be here and be cooking for them.”

    Asked if all she was doing in the over two weeks she was with them was to cook for them, said she was not untied anyway to cook.

    “I was beaten severally,  blindfolded at some point and threatened with death. Some of the boys also threatened to rape me,  this sparked heated argument among them,  that they almost fought each other,  but they later did not touch me.”

    Asked if she was fed by the kidnappers said,  she was barely fed, and that she eats only when food was  given to her adding that the stepple meal there was indomie noddles.

    To her,  her parents were not aware of her whereabouts having exhausted all their links to no avail.

  • Over 200 renounce cultism in Ikorodu

    Over 200 renounce cultism in Ikorodu

    •Ex-cultists surrender arms, ammunition in Oba’s palace

    OVER 200 persons yesterday renounced cultism in Ikorodu, Lagos, and surrendered their arms and ammunition to the police.

    At a ceremony held at the palace of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, the repented cultists dropped 15 locally made long guns, 30 bullets, 11 cutlasses, four axes, four double-barrel guns, five short locally made pistols and a sword.

    It was attended by Lagos Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal and heads of other security agencies.

    Edgal said the surrender was a fall out of community policing and partnership, promising to do everything to reduce crime in Ikorodu.

    He said: “Today (yesterday), we are in Ikorodu at the instance of our royal father and his lieutenants to take over these arms and ammunition that belong to members of major cult groups who renounced such confraternity.

    “We have identified leaders of Aiye, Eiye and Buccaneer, who have come out with over 200 members to give up arms.  What is happening here is that  jointly, we are making history. All these weapons have been voluntarily handed over by cultists who have renounced membership and have pledged to build Ikorodu and allow peace, security to reign.

    “These arms are weapons of destruction and I am happy you volunteered to relinquish them. They would be sent to police armoury. I learnt there are still few persons in your midst, who do not want to join this drive to shun cultism. Be vigilant. Do not allow them to carry out their activities in Ikorodu.

    “I have told my men here to partner with you in order to arrest such persons. I know you have fears and uncertainties but I can assure you that there is a process. Your renunciation is the first step. ‘’Thereafter, the Oba will approach the local government chairman to train you in vocational skills before your reintegration into the society.

    “There would also be opportunities for soft loans to establish your vocational trade. Ikorodu is the fastest growing part of Lagos and the world is concerned about what is happening here.

    “I hereby call on youths of other communities in Lagos to renounce cultism. I am also appealing to youths to shun hard drugs. If you take these drugs, you won’t have a bright future. Do not allow drug dealers to rob you of your future.

    “Anywhere you find a drug dealer in Ikorodu, report to the police and the person would be arrested.”

    Earlier, Shotobi said the cultists were encouraged to renounce cultism publicly because crime ‘’is alien to Ikorodu’’.  criminality is alien to Ikorodu’’.

    He said their demands would be presented to the governor.

    Leader of Onyabo, Lanre Olabinjo said the renunciation followed meetings with the cult groups. He appealed that the youths, most of whom are graduates, be gainfully engaged.

    Onyabo enjoined the police chief to caution his men in Ikorodu to desist from harassing people.

    Speaking on behalf of the repented cultists,  Afeez Sholebo alias Chiny, the Aiye leader,  said they signed an undertaking  never to return to cultism.

    He said : “Our demands to government are that we should be employed permanently. There should be vocational seminars, scholarship to study in any institution in the country, infrastructural development of Ikorodu. Also, the police should stop witch-hunting the youths.”

  • Police officers dismissed in Akwa Ibom for cultism

    Police officers dismissed in Akwa Ibom for cultism

    Two officers serving with Akwa Ibom Police Command have

    been dismissed for aiding and abetting cultism, Commissioner Mr. Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi has said.

    He told House of Assembly Speaker Mr. Onofiok Luke yesterday in Uyo that the act led to insecurity.

    Although the CP did not mention the names of the officers, he said the command intends to prosecute them with the suspected cultists.

    He urged the assembly to review the anti-cultism law, to make provision for stiffer penalties for those engaging in cultism.

    Ogunjemilusi said the command would not condone cultism, no matter who was involved.

    He enjoined the legislature to assist the police in tackling crimes.

    The police boss warned those using vehicles without number plates or those covering them to desist, “as we will clamp down on them.”

    He appealed to lawmakers and government officials to cooperate with the police.

    Ogunjemilusi demanded the building of three newly-approved area command

    headquarters in Eket, Etim Ekpo and Itu/Ibiono Ibom local governments

    and provision of patrol vehicles, gun boats, communication gadgets and equipment.

    Onofiok hailed the police commissioner for his quick response to security issues and community policing.

    He condemned rise in cultism, saying anyone caught, no matter how highly placed, should be prosecuted.