Cultism and the faith of youths in Edo

The alarming rate of insecurity in Nigeria in recent times have been attributed to the moral decadence of the very fabric that bind us together as a country. It is so pathetic that the youth who in different quarters have been described as hope of the future of Nigeria have decided to embrace the act of insecurity and holiganism through their association with different occultic groups, all in the quest for power and fame.

The social vices abound in the country just now has made most parents to be wary of the kind of company their children/wards keep and the reason for they the parents to bring their children up with the fear of God. Little wonder, particularly in Benin City, Edo State, some parents have died as a result of their children’s involvements in cultism.

The activities of secret cult groups in the state are worrisome and the killings and fightings associated with the scourge by different Confraternity groups have led to the killings of many persons, mostly youths in Edo.

Cult groups are always in the habit of fighting for supremacy, thereby leading to aggressive recruitment drives. This could be the reason why the cult group wanted to recruit Gift into their fold.

Sometime, in 2008, a particular parent residing then as Eghosa Street, off Oguola road in Benin City was hacked to death by cultists who where in search of the woman’s son. There are many more similar incidents in Edo and some other parts of the country.

As reported in Nigerian Observer newspaper last year, June 22, 2014, the life of a 19-year old boy, Momoh Gift, now on the run for possibly safety is said to be hanging in balance as some members of a notorious secret cult group (name withheld), have declared him wanted dead or alive.

It was gathered that the threat to Gift’s life could not be unconnected with his refusal to join the group as sources maintained that Gift was raised up from a christian home.

Gift, no doubt may have been informed with the danger inherent in being a cult member or cultist, as a family member told this writer in confidence that Gift, vehemently resisted his friend’s (one Chukwudi) ploy to lure him to believe that there are positive benefits he would enjoy as a member of their cult group.

The family member in his words said “Gift refused the offer because of the dreaded nature and activities of the group and his refusal angered the cult members and Gift was implicated and reported to security operatives in Edo State. He was accused of being a member of a rival cult group in the city centre”.

It was also scooped that Gift upon the allegation against him by the people suspected to be members of Chukwudi’s cult members, he, (Gift) narrowly escaped arrest from security operatives, who allegedly stormed his Nomayo residence in Benin City to arrest him.

Gift was declared wanted by security operatives when he narrowly escaped. Following his being declared wanted over the allegations of cultism and threat of being arrested, Gift had no choice but to run for his life.

Gift still remains in constant fear of the cultist group and his possible arrest due to the cultist allegations against him as he is being at large.