Crime

We will nip cultism in the bud – Adeleke

By Web News 457

By Tina Mosadomi 

Osun state government has again reiterated its efforts at curbing the menace of cultism in the state. The media assistant to the state Governor, Mr Bukola Alalade gave the assurance while reacting to the recent killings by some groups of cultists in Ilesa metropolis. 

Cult clashes have continued to cause stress in some states in the South-west and Eastern part of the country. 

The situation has become worrisome in Ilesa in the recent times following incessant cases of cult killings with residents living in perpetual fear. 

Speaking on this development, Mr Alalade called on parents to inculcate good morals as well as religious teachings into their children at their early years. 

Also speaking, Osun state chairman, National Association of Nigerian Students, Mr Adedamola Ogungbe advised youths to engage themselves  positively, noting that, an idle hand is a devil’s workshop. 

Mr Ogungbe also implored unemployed youths to engage in skills and vocational works rather than expecting white collar job that may never come. 

In her Contribution, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Yemisi Opalola, promised that, the command would not fold its arms to allow cultists to turn Ilesa and its environs into a state of anarchy. 

Mrs Opalola called on members of the public who are in possession of illegal firearms to submit them at the Divisional Police Headquarters nearest to them. 

Also speaking, the State Corps Commandant of Amotekun, Rtd. Brigader -General Abiodun Adewinbi advised residents of the state to report any strange gathering, explaining that security is everyone’s job. 

Retired brigader -general Adewinbi reassured that the corps would do everything possible to make the state safe for all.

It would be recalled that within two weeks in Osun State, five persons were murdered as two rival cult gangs, Aiye, and Ave, battled for supremacy in Ilesa.

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Crime

Adeleke Directs Security Agencies to Curb Cultism

By Web News 339

By Funmi Adekoya

Osun state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has directed security agencies to launch special operations to arrest and prosecute cultists engaging in rivalry war across Ijeshaland.

Reacting to spate of violence and attacks in parts of the East senatorial district, Governor Adeleke described the development as shocking and reprehensible, calling on the police and other security agencies to act decisively to stop the cult clashes.

Lamenting the loss of innocent lives of residents, the Governor directed that the special operations should include intelligence gathering to arrest masterminds of the attacks, warning that all perpetrators will face harsh penalty of the law.

“I have been duly briefed on the developments in some parts of Ijeshaland. We will no longer tolerate actions capable of disrupting the peaceful atmosphere in the state. We will not allow any group or individuals to use their internal wars to endanger public peace.

“This is a matter that threatens law and order. We must enforce the law and ensure peace without delay. This is one violence too many.

” I have directed the Commissioner of Police and other service chiefs to swing into action without delay. Violence and attacks must stop and perpetrators must be brought to book as urgently as possible”, the Governor added.

Education

OYSCATECH Goes Tough on Indecent Dressing, Cultism

By Web News 544

By Mosope Kehinde

The Rector of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Prof. Akinola Akinlabi has warned the newly matriculated students of the institution to shun all acts of indiscipline and social vices such as indecent dressings, cultism, drug abuse, hooliganism, gangsterism, examination misconducts, cyber-crimes and a host of other.

Prof. Akinlabi gave this charge on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 during the 14th matriculation ceremony of fresh students, held at the main hall of the institution.

The Rector expatiated that social vices usually undermine the integrity of academic community and pose threat to students’ safety and future. He implored the students to resist any form of temptation and make wise choices that will positively impact their academics and personal life, while stressing that the institution has zero tolerance for unruly behaviour.

He stressed the need for students to adhere to the institution’s dress code while calling for religious tolerance among Students. 

According to him, “today’s event marks the formal recognition of your studentship, a gateway into your academic pursuit. It is a challenge for you to engage productively in your studies, imbibing hard work, determination, dedication and discipline to ensure success in the end.

“Out of thousands of applicants that qualified and applied for admission into various National Diploma Programmes, 1,021 applicants have been offered admissions into full time ND programmes and 335 others were admitted by the Directorate of Part-Time and Preliminary Studies (DPPPS) for part time National Diploma Programmes.

The second categories are 644 applicants admitted into full time Higher National Diploma Programmes (HND) and 5 others admitted through the Directorate of Part-Time and Preliminary Studies (DPPPS) for Higher National Diploma Programmes.

The total students admitted for both ND and HND progammes including full time and Part time students is 2,005 students for 2022/2023 academic session. 

“I wish to reiterate that OYSCATECH will not renege in full filling its vision of becoming a leading centre for excellence in Agriculture, Technology and Management through the training of the youths for innovation, food sufficiency and job creation.

“I must emphasise that OYSCATECH as a Polytechnic is well positioned as an institution that places high premium on practical, entrepreneurship training, research and community services due to her status as a full-fledged polytechnic since April 2019 coupled with the qualified manpower for effective general administration, teaching and research.”

Prof. Akinlabi added that Students have been admitted into an institution that has excellent curriculum with special attention to programmes of instruction, programmes of activities and programmes of guidance in line with global best practice and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) policy directives.

“Apart from the existing programmes for the ND and the HND, three new programmes have been graciously approved by the NBTE at the National Diploma level, namely Food Technology, Civil Engineering and Electrical Engineering.

The Rector hinted that the management is working tirelessly towards providing more enabling environment for teaching and research in the institution, while assuring that very soon, various infrastructural projects would be embarked upon by TETFUND, the State, Federal Government, NEYI, NCC, Galaxy Backbone, individuals and a host of others.

The rector commended the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for prompt payment of full salaries to staff, and effort at resuscitating the farm settlements in Oyo State.

Prof. Akinlabi applauded Prof. Sanni led Governing Council for their contributions to the development of the institution. 

Prof. Akinlabi appreciated all management staff, union leaders and all staff of the institution for their support in moving the Polytechnic forward. 

The Registrar, Mr. Rasheed Fasasi Adeniji while administering the matriculation oath on fresh Students noted that it is mandatory for

students to abide by the rules and regulations governing their studentship on this campus. 

He maintained that having taken the matriculation oath, Students were duty bound to ensure strict compliance with the matriculation oath as administered.

In his goodwill message, the JAMB representative, Mr Bamidele Daramola explained that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board will sustain its partnership with tertiary institutions in the areas of admissions and Computer Based Test (CBT). 

While congratulating them, he advised the students to normalise their admission with JAMB before it is too late.

Some of the matriculating students who could not hide their joy expressed assured that they will be good ambassadors of the institution.

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Education

Rector Reads Riot Act to Students on Cultism

By Web News 472

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, Dr. Francisca Nwafulugo has warned that any student of the institution who got involved in cultism and examination malpractices would automatically lose his or her admission.

The Rector, who spoke during the 38th matriculation ceremony of the polytechnic said that adequate measures had been put in place to ensure that the issue of cultism does not rear its head in any of the three campuses of the Polytechnic.

She said: “We have zero tolerance for cultism. Our internal security network is working effectively and has kept cultism at bay.

“| wish to inform you that cultism is extinct here. This has given our students the peace of mind and energy to focus on their studies without fear of intimidation or molestation.

Let me assure you of the goodwill of this administration to provide all the necessary framework that will guarantee: your academic excellence.

“However, there are ethics and codes you must, as a matter of necessity, imbibe in order to excel. We demand respect for constituted authorities. No student is expected to take matters into their hands. “Every grievance should be directed to appropriate channels. We seriously frown at unruly behavior, violence, inappropriate and indecent dressing.

In order to checkmate indecent dressing, we have established an ethics and dress code department which has helped in maintaining decency among our students population.

“You need to understand that your admission here is not only aimed at equipping you intellectually, but also to develop you in character and morals.

You must therefore shun hooliganism, misconduct and all forms of vices and imbibe good morals.

“Avoid examination malpractice as this attracts expulsion. If you give due diligence to your studies, | promise you won’t have any cause to regret.

Instead of wasting your time in frivolous issues which are wasteful and unfruitful, there are healthy and wholesome recreational and sporting activities you may consider engaging in to complement your academic activities as all work and no play they say makes Jack a dull boy”.

She informed them that there are many Christian fellowships to join, reminding them that it is important that as they pass through the Polytechnic, the Polytechnic should also pass through them.

Vanguard/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

Security

Police set up Squad to Check Activities of Cultists in Ogun

By Web News 734

Ogun state Police command has set up a special operation squad to checkmate the activities of cult groups across the state.

According to a statement by spokesman of the command, Mr. Abimbola Oyeyemi, the squad operation is to be coordinated by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, department of operations.

He explained that the squad would be responsible for quick response to any cult related issues and will be on duty all the time of the day.

Mr. Oyeyemi stated that the Commissioner of Police in Ogun state has mandated the squad to fish out members of the cult groups in any part of the state and deal with them in accordance with provision of the law.

The police spokesman explained that the commissioner of police also cautioned parents and guardians to call their wards in cult groups to order noting that the battle against cultists in Ogun state will be total.

Wale Oluokun

Security

Stakeholders Rub Minds on Curbing Cultism in Ijesaland

By Web News 706

Traditional rulers, chiefs, security agencies and the judiciary are fashioning way out to nip recurring cult killings in Ijesaland.

The decision is the fallout of the security meeting held at the instance of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland with a view to having a mouth to ear report of the peace meeting championed by the traditional institution with the youths and security operatives.

The Owa Obokun of ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran lauded the security agencies, traditional title holders and youths for their prompt response to series of emergency meetings which stemmed the tide and doused the tension.

Oba Adekunle Aromolaran who frowned at the gruesome waste of lives among the cult members called on parents to instill the fear of God in their children describing blood as sacred substance that should not be spilled carelessly.

Speaking, the Loro of Ilesa , High Chief Olalekan Folorunso blamed the incessant cult activities in Ilesa on the nefarious activities of some convicts who continued their criminal life after  reintegrating selves into the ancient city having completed their jail terms at Ilesa correctional centre.

In their contributions, the Ilesa Area Commander of police, Mr Uche Ananwo and the Ayeso A divisional police officer, Mr Bamigboye Martin said some arrests have been made and police are still trailing those declared wanted by the state command .

The president of Omo Owa , Omo Ekun, an association of Ijesa youths, Mr Babatunde Aguntasolo hinted that the warring groups have sheathed their swords saying  the problem was caused by the cultists who are yet to renounce their membership.

Isaac Haastrup

Crime

Police Arrest Suspected Cultists in Ogun

By Web News 917

Ogun State police command has arrested two suspected members of Eiye cult group for forcefully initiating a student into their group. 

According to a statement by the command spokesman, Mr. Abimbola Oyeyemi the suspects, Owoseni Gbemisola and Ogunsola Ayo were arrested following a report by a 21 years old student of Olabisi onabanjo university reported that he was lured to Ijebu Igbo by one Yemi Justice under the pretence of going for a job.He stated that on getting to ijebu igbo, the said Yemi alongside Owoseni Gbemisola and Ogunsola Ayo blindfolded him, beat him and forced him to be initiated into Eiye confraternity. 

Mr. Oyeyemi said police embarked on intelligence surveillance for the suspects and arrested Owoseni Gbemisola in Ago iwoye who still threatened the complainant to bring him to their fold by force and other suspects.

The Ogun state, commissioner of police, Mr. Lanre Bankole has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to state criminal investigation department for investigation to enable prosecution of the case.

Wale Oluokun

Security

Suspected Cultists Hack Teenager to Death in Osogbo

By Web News 830

There was confusion at Olugona area of Osogbo capital of Osun State as suspected cultists hacked a 17-year-old boy named Olalekan Quadri to death. 

Radio Nigeria gathered that the diseased was on Monday night chased to the scene and attacked with machetes. 

When Radio Nigeria visited the area, residents who were in panic were shouting one Afeez popularly known as ‘Terror’ as the one who allegedly masterminded the killing of the teenager. 

One of them who identified himself simply as “Julius” alleged that the fellow called Terror was one of the leaders of Eiye confraternity who had been terrorising the area for sometimes now. 

He said the alleged Afeez led his members in the killing of the boy in the area and hurriedly left the scene.

When the spokesperson of Osun State Police Command, Mrs Yemisi Opalola was contacted, she confirmed the killing of the teenager, with a promise that effort was being intensified to arrest those connected with the killing.

Adenitan Akinola

News Analysis

Growing Spate of Cultism in the Society

By Web News 1477

The unabated incidence and unrelenting activities of secret cults in the Nigerian educational institutions and the society at large have wrought incalculable havoc on the lives and psyche of Nigerians.

As at 1999, over fifty six secret cults existed in the one hundred and thirty three higher institutions of learning in the country.

They were fast penetrating the nation’s secondary and even primary schools as well people outside the education walls.

Secret cults or secret societies are organisations in which members are usually bound by an oath of secrecy.

These often require elaborate form of initiation and ritual, use of symbols, password and handshakes as a means of recognition among members.

Mainly, they operate in the confines of Nigerian institutions where they have been alleged of being behind violence and sometime harassment of lecturers for different reasons.

However, the confraternity system in Nigeria was not so violent when it was started way back in 1952, during the last years of British colonial rule by a set of young idealistic men.

It began at the University of Ibadan when the Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka led the National Association of Seadogs.

These secret societies were later banned in Nigeria when they became notorious with thousands of members arrested and prosecuted over the years.

Nevertheless, they continue to operate, especially off campus enjoying the followership of people who have never been to university and increasingly involving themselves in criminal activities.

For example, in Lagos State several cases of cultists clashes have been recorded where many lives were lost and property running to millions of naira destroyed.

In Rivers State, particularly the oil hub Port Harcourt, cults have been known to recruit teenagers into street gangs that serve as a training ground for membership drive.

Last year April, residents of Lagos and neighbouring Ogun states resolved to forming vigilante groups as reports spread that hundreds of gangster belonging to cult groups such as One Million Boys and Awawa Boys were disturbing the peaceful coexistence of the environment.

Despite all these, there were increase reports on social and traditional media where gangs attack people for reasons best known to them, almost on a daily basis.

To curb this menace, security agencies must come up with strong and anti cultism strategies that would make cultism a thing of the past in society.

All authorities concerned in the nation’s higher institutions should map out strategies of preventing cult members from carrying out membership drive on campuses.

To achieve success in this regard, parents must work closely with the institutions through constant monitoring and supervision of their wards.

More importantly, counselling services in tertiary institutions should be taken seriously as counselors have a major role to play towards implementing programmes for the reduction of cultism in schools.

The role of religious and moral lessons cannot be over-emphasized as they are vital to moulding of the youths who are proverbial leaders of tomorrow in the society.

Mass media print, electronic and online need to embark on regular sensitization and awareness campaign on the dangers of cultism and its effect on development.

Above all, the government at all levels should find a way of empowering uneducated and unemployed youths roaming the streets to prevent them from ending up in practicing cultism all in the name of searching for daily bread.

A stitch in time they say saves nine.

Rasheedah Makinde

Crime

Suspected Cultist Arrested By Police in Ogun

By Web News 1959

Three members of a cult group have been arrested by men of Ogun state police command for allegedly threatening to kill one Teslim Lateef if he refused to be initiated into their group.

The suspects, Olajide Shittu, Emmanuel Fidelis and Sunkanmi Ifelodun were arrested after victim reported the matter at Ajuwon police station.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Abimbola Oyeyemi said in Abeokuta that the suspects were apprehended from their hideouts.

Mr Oyeyemi said the suspects confessed to being members of a cult group.

Meanwhile, The Commissioner of Police, Mr Edward Ajogun has ordered the transfer of the suspects to state criminal investigation and intelligence department for discreet investigation. 

Mr Ajogun advised the cult members to renounce their membership before the long arm of the law catches up with them.

Olusegun Folarin

Security

OSHA Promises to End Cultism in the State

By Web News 782

The Osun State House of Assembly has promised to put an end to Secret Cult and Secret Societies in the state.

The Speaker, Mr. Timothy Owoeye stated this during the plenary sitting at the Assembly Osogbo.

He noted that the Executive Bill was sent from Governor Gboyega Oyetola tagged: “Secret Cult and Secret Societies activities Prohibition Bill 2020” for considerations.

Mr. Owoeye noted that with the bill in place the state would be free from all secret cult related activities saying the bill would allow proper penalty for offenders in the state.

The Speaker then committed the Bill to House Committee on Legal and Judiciary to work more on the bill.

Funmi Adekoya

Crime

Retaliatory Attacks by Suspected Cultist Rocks Ilesa

By Web News 1571

There was pandemonium in Ilesa this morning as some armed youth laid
siege on the peaceful city in retaliation of the alleged murder of a middle-aged man yesterday by some people suspected to be cultists at
Adeti area.

Our correspondent, Isaac Haastrup who visited Olomilagbala , Ereguru ,
Ita-akogun, Okesa and Imo areas reports that shop owners and residents
hurriedly shut their doors as banks closed doors to business as the suspected shot sporadically while hunting their targets.

Isaac Haastrup