The country is frequently threatened by the activities of secret cults in various states. The greatest challenge is among the youths who in the quest for power and security join cults in higher institutions. Most cultists engage in a range of heinous activities – killing, rape robbery, kidnapping, harassment, vandalism, and assault. Innocent citizens are often victims of conflict amongst rival groups. Their criminal activities have resulted in human deaths, property and business loss. Unlawful secret societies are banned in Nigeria and many members have been arrested and prosecuted over the years. However, they continue to operate in the university campus where they still attract new members.
Cult activities have changed over the years, spreading dangerously into the public space, threatening life, social undertakings, and economic prosperity. These illegal societies recruit their members through coercion, deceit and peer influence. What is most troubling is the increase in secondary school students joining secret societies. Most secret cults are now being operated outside of university campuses and uneducated teenagers are being recruited all over the country. It is not unusual to see adolescents identify as area boys, belong to secret societies, use illicit drugs and engage in criminal acts.
Yusuf Oladeinde, 26 years old ex-convict was rusticated after four months in the university. He played a major role in the Vikings clash with a rival group. Ebuka, also an ex-convict of the Bagas cult said his initiation was done by members beating the newbies mercilessly. The ritual was to remove weakness and fear and instill bravery. However, both men agree that they always live in fear of opposing groups. It is hard to leave the societies; those who dare to do so are either assaulted or killed. The goal of joining a secret society is to gain power, prestige and security but members are always alert not knowing when rivals will attack. In many instances, these battles impact other innocent lives.
On March 15, following incessant clashes in Lagos state and in a bid to tackle the evils of cultism in the State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu signed an anti-cultism bill into law, approving a 21-year jail term for convicted cultists. People who aid their activities also face a 15-year jail term. The governor hopes the new law will make parents more responsible for their children, and show more interest in their up-bringing.
