Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has recently taken a firm stance against the scourge of cultism, declaring it an act of terrorism. In a bold move, he urged a collaborative effort from various stakeholders, including parents, landlords, and sponsors, to eradicate this menace that has been plaguing the state. The governor emphasized his commitment to treating cult members as terrorists, signaling a significant shift in the approach toward curbing this social ill.
Acknowledging the broader security challenges faced by the state, such as farmer-herder clashes, robbery, and ritual killings, Governor Abiodun highlighted his administration’s successes in overcoming these issues through the combined efforts of the Nigeria Army and other security personnel. Despite these achievements, the governor expressed concerns over the escalating threat posed by cultists, kidnappers, armed robbers, and ritual killers, signaling the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s security architecture.
The Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the long-standing coexistence of people from diverse cultures and religions in the town of ogun. He lamented the disruptive actions of a few elements jeopardizing the peace and progress the community had enjoyed. The Akarigbo, along with other royal leaders, pledged to collaborate with the government to restore lasting peace to the local government.
The prevailing security challenges of ogun in specific areas, including Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Sagamu, Ikenne, and Odogbolu, with a notable increase in cult-related incidents is also emphasized. The year 2021 witnessed a surge in violence, such as the January attack in Ijebu Ode, where suspected Eiye Confraternity members were arrested for allegedly killing 25 people during supremacy battles.
The incidents, including clashes between rival cults in Sagamu and the involvement of a State House of Assembly member, underscore the urgent need for a reevaluation of the state’s security strategies. While Governor Abiodun’s administration introduced the Amotekun Corps to address security concerns, some residents express dissatisfaction, citing limited visibility and impact in areas like Sagamu.
Special Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, traced the persistent cultist attacks to the migration of hoodlums from Ikorodu and highlighted the role of hard drugs in fueling such criminal activities. Despite the government’s imposition of a death penalty for involvement in cult activities, there remains a need for concerted efforts to address the root causes and provide avenues for individuals to renounce cultism.
Kidnapping, another rising concern, has seen an increase along major routes like Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and Lafenwa-Ayetoro-Imeko road. The state government’s imposition of a death sentence on kidnapping has not deterred kidnappers, leading to calls for more robust measures to ensure the safety of citizens.
In addition to cultism and kidnapping, the article delves into the challenges of farmer-herder clashes, particularly in areas like Imeko Afon in ogun. These clashes, attributed to the migration of Fulani herdsmen and the proximity to porous borders, have resulted in loss of lives and property.
Ogun state
The administration’s commitment to fostering a peaceful society is evident through proposed initiatives such as a special court and a joint cultism security task force. However, the complexity of the challenges necessitates a multifaceted approach, involving community engagement, education, and continuous collaboration among stakeholders to address the root causes of insecurity in Ogun State, as reported by gaurdian.ng
