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Tag: Cultism

  • Diri warns students against cultism at state varsity

    Diri warns students against cultism at state varsity

    Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri on Friday, gave a stern warning to students who engage in cult activities at the state-owned Niger Delta University (NDU) to withdraw from the institution or be expelled.

    The governor gave the warning during the NDU 7th Combined Convocation of the institution.

    NAN reports that recent incidents of students cult rivalry reportedly claimed lives in the community.

    It was the second time in a week that the governor had issued such warning.

    He gave a similar directive to security agencies in the state and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice on Wednesday during the State Executive Council meeting to speedily prosecute anyone arrested for cult-related crimes in Bayelsa.

    He restated his call on students to avoid cultism, stressing that there was no room for such activities in universities, but rather it is a place for character building and learning.

    He said: “Recently, I spoke to the Vice Chancellor about the resurgence of cultism in this university.

    “May I use this opportunity to warn those who did not come here for learning and character building to on their own withdraw.

    “There should be no room for cultism in this university. I have given the Vice Chancellor a charge as the Visitor to this institution, and as government.

    “I have also charged all security agencies in the state. Anyone found engaging in cultism in this university, they should not hesitate to apply the sanctions,” he said.

    Diri assured  the institution that 25 years after it was established by the Diepreye Alamieyeseigha administration, his government would actively contribute to the narrative that will shape it for the next 25 years.

    He said having done the groundbreaking of the 5000-seater convocation arena and the Faculty of  Environmental Sciences building before the ceremony commenced, the arena would soon be completed.

    He assured that under his administration, facilities in the institution will adhere to accreditation standards set by the National Universities Commission and the relevant regulatory boards.

    “As I reflect on this momentous occasion, my joy is indeed amplified by the knowledge that, as a government we are in our modest way actively contributing to the narrative that will shape the next 25 years in the institution.

    “It is notable that the Faculty of Environmental Science complex boasts a comprehensive range of facilities, featuring 24 classrooms, 18 design studios, six modeling studios, six workshops/laboratories, among others.

    Earlier, Prof. Allen Agih, thanked the governor for appointing him as the 5th Vice Chancellor of the institution and that it was his first convocation ceremony.

    The VC said 6,536 graduates took part in the ceremony, including 5,726 for Bachelor’s degrees with 69 First Class honours.

    There were also 810 higher degrees graduates, including 16 professional diplomas, 191 post- graduate diplomas and 458 Master’s degrees.

    Also, the Pro Chancellor, Dr. Matthew Seiyefa, said NDU had produced adequate manpower knowledge base that had contributed significantly to its growth and development.

    He noted that the institution had evolved to become the melting pot of ideas and initiatives, vital for navigating climate change and economic diversification.

  • Suspected cultists kill 4 at beer parlour in Benue

    Suspected cultists kill 4 at beer parlour in Benue

    The Police Command in Benue has confirmed the killing of four persons by suspected cultists at a beer parlour in Makurdi, the state capital.

    The command’s spokesperson, SP Sewuese Anene, confirmed this on Monday in a chat with journalists.

    Anene said the attack which took place on Sunday night at a beer parlour at Akpehe in Makurdi, also left many people hospitalised.

    “The suspected cult attack at Akpehe is confirmed and investigation has commenced.

    “Four persons were confirmed dead while others are currently receiving treatment in the hospital,“ the command’s spokesperson said.

    Anene warned criminals in the state to desist from crimes or be prepared to face the full wrath of the law.

  • Groom-to-be killed by suspected cultists in Edo State

    Groom-to-be killed by suspected cultists in Edo State

    Gunmen, suspected to be cultists, have killed a man whose wedding has been scheduled for December in Edo State.

    The victim, simply identified as Danladi, was reportedly killed at a friend’s shop located about 100 metres from the Esigie Police Division in Oredo Local Government Area, one of the municipal council areas in the state.

    A source, who pleaded anonymity noted that Danladi was sitting in the shop when the gun emerged from a GLK Benz jeep and shot him twice at close range.

    “Danladi is an easy going guy. He was the son of Seriki Hausa in the area. His death has created a huge vacuum in his family and a painful loss to his would-be wife.

    “He has started sending invitation cards for his wedding to guests. He was billed to tie the knot with his partner in December,” the source said.

    When contacted, SP Moses Yamu, Public Relations Officer of the Police Command in Edo, regretted the renewed cult killings in the state.

    “The command is doing everything within the law to tame cultism in the state. The situation has been brought under control,” he said.

    Yamu, however, called on members of the public to give useful information to the police in helping the fight against cultism and cult related crimes in the state.

  • Cult rivalry claims life of 28-year-old in Bayelsa

    Cult rivalry claims life of 28-year-old in Bayelsa

    The Police Command in Bayelsa on Wednesday confirmed the death of 28-year-old Victor Namabebe to cult rivalry at Amarata, a suburb in Yenagoa.

    The command’s spokesperson, ASP Musa Mohammed, in Yenagoa disclosed that the cult groups, Greenlanders and the Bobos, clashed on Tuesday at about 9.00 p.m.

    Mohammed said the corpse of the deceased had been deposited at a hospital morgue in Yenagoa.

    “At about 9.00 p.m., on Tuesday, one Chief Emmanuel Namabebe reported at the A Division of the Nigeria Police that his 28-year-old son, Victor Namabebe, was found dead at Amarata area of the state capital.

    “Police personnel from the A Division mobilised to the area and found the victim.

    “Upon examination, he was found with various grievous injuries to the head,” Mohammed said.

    Meanwhile, sources in the neighbourhood told NAN that the deceased had stormed the Amarata/Ebis Mechanic area with a group of boys suspected to be members of Greenlanders.

    According to the sources, the Greenlanders came for a member of Bobos who they alleged had earlier “crossed” (encountered) them.

    The clash, they said, resulted in a gun duel and the use of dangerous weapons.

    It was gathered that many of the residents, who were at various football viewing centres at around 8.00 p.m. for the UEFA Champion League matches, abandoned the game and scampered for safety.

    Also, suspected cult groups’ spots at Apex Academy Road, OMPADEC, Ebis Mechanic in Amarata axis of Yenagoa had been on alert, poised for reprisal attacks over the victim’s death.

  • New CP assumes duty in Edo, declares war on cultism

    New CP assumes duty in Edo, declares war on cultism

    The new Commissioner of Police (CP) for Edo, Funsho Adeboye, officially assumed duty in Benin on Tuesday, with a warning to cult members disturbing the peace of the state to leave or face the full weight of the law.

    The CP also warned Officers and Men of the command to stay away from corruption and other infractions while carrying out their duties.

    Adeboye, who was received by top officers of the command, said his administration would be propelled by democratic policing and fear of God.

    He said “cultism is a dangerous trend which we are ready to curb.

    “The Inspector General of Police has resolved that this menace of cultism should be curbed without reservation and Gov. Godwin Obaseki is
    on the same page with the police’s resolve on cultism.”

    He added that the command under his watch, would not not fold its arms and allow cult groups to dent the image of this administration.

    “My main priority as commissioner of police in Edo is to put an end to cultism through lawful means,” he said.

    He advised parents and guardians to warn their children and wards to desist from cultism as those disturbing the peace of the public
    were going to be apprehended and diligently prosecuted.

    “I want to also call for the cooperation of the judiciary so that any person arrested for contravening the law would not go unpunished.

    “I also want to call on the public to give useful information to the police to nip the crime in the bud.

    “I want to call on journalists as well, to support the police in the fight against crime and criminality.”

    Adeboye took over from CP Muhammed Dankwara, who was posted to the National Institute For Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos

  • Abakaliki residents lament increasing rate of burglary theft, cult clashes

    Abakaliki residents lament increasing rate of burglary theft, cult clashes

    Abakaliki residents have continued to call attention to the increase in the rate of burglary, theft of food stuffs and cult clashes in Ebonyi.

    Recent cult clashes in some parts of Abakaliki led to loss of lives, just as the clashes have had untoward effects on business activities in parts of Abakaliki Local Government Area.

    Some residents have complained that aside cult activities, burglaries and theft of foodstuffs had become worrisome.

    Mrs Chinenye Orji, a resident said many had lost valuable items and foodstuffs to burglars and to petty thieves.

    She said assailants once forced a neighbour to empty her bank account using a Point of Sale machine they carried into the victim’s house.

    “It is so bad; we no longer sleep with our eyes closed. There are fears everywhere because of cult activities in some parts,’’ she said.

    Another resident, Mr Job Okereke, told NAN that burglars raided his neighbour’s apartment in broad daylight on Tuesday and carted away foodstuffs unchallenged as occupants had gone away to their various businesses.

    “We need government and security agencies’ intervention. Our businesses are crumbling and the economic situation in the country is not helping either,’’ he lamented.

    Responding, Chairman, Abakaliki Local Government Council, Mr Ebere Nwogba, assured that government was determined to address the situation to ensure restoration of peace and orderliness in the area.

    “To end violence and cult-related activities in Abakaliki and environs, I have had an enlarged security meeting with security chiefs, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

    “It is sad that cult activities and burglaries are inflicting pains on the people, particularly on bereaved families,’’ he said.

    Efforts to get police reactions were abortive.

  • Mohbad: Naira Marley drops shocking revelation

    Mohbad: Naira Marley drops shocking revelation

    Marlian Record CEO, Azeez Adeshina Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, has revealed shocking revelations about Mohbad.

    According to him, Mohbad, may have surrounded himself with “a lot of cultists” given the sudden nature of his death.

    He said he believed that the late singer had been bullied but his bullies weren’t sponsored by him or his record label, Marlian Music.

    Marley who granted interview to Reno Omokri said he is not a cultist, stressing that he has been battling with cultists since relocating to Nigeria from England in 2019.

    While alleging that those accusing him of having a hand in Mohbad’s death may be trying to cover up the true cause of his death, the Marlian Music boss said he hopes the police conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the truth.

    He said, “I believe he was actually stressed as much as he needed help. I believe he has been bullied. I believe there were people on his neck, people all over him that he was in danger. But it wasn’t from us. If he was in danger from me, if anybody is scared of me, nobody is gonna come out doing all of these. I don’t believe in any cult whatsoever. I came to Nigeria in 2019 from England. I don’t know what a cult is. I’ve been running away from the cultists in Nigeria. I’m actually an anti-cultist. I’m against it. So many times they tried to force me into it but thank God they never succeeded in doing it.

    “I do understand that maybe he [Mohbad] had surrounded himself with a lot of bad people like a lot of cultists. And I can see from the way people are trying to cover up, with the way they sending in money [to Mohbad’s family] and with the experience of what has happened around them, I just hope the police will find out a lot of things, man.”

  • Kwara poly withdraws student’s HND Certificate over cultism

    Kwara poly withdraws student’s HND Certificate over cultism

    The Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin management , has  approved the immediate withdrawal of the Higher National Diploma Certificate of AbdulRasheed Zubair Olatunji who studies Public Administration Department of the institution for his alleged involvement in cultism.

    The institution’s  Deputy Registrar, Mr. Olayemi Olatomi, on Monday made this known via a statement signed and issued by him.

    The statement disclosed that the decision was based on the report of the Polytechnic’s Students’ Disciplinary Committee.

    The management said AbdulRasheed’s involvement in cultism was a pointer to the fact that he was not worthy in character and learning to earn the certificate of the institution.

    The mobilisation of AbdulRasheed to the mandatory National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, was also put on hold, the statement further disclosed.

  • Delta threatens to shut schools associated with cultism

    Delta threatens to shut schools associated with cultism

    The Delta State Government threatened on Thursday in Asaba to shut any school where students engage in cultism.

    Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu issued the threat while reacting to a trending video of a secondary school where students allegedly engaged in “Snake Bite’’ cult activities.

    He told newsmen that government had stepped up supervision of schools and any student found culpable would be punished accordingly.

    Aniagwu said government would also shut any school where cult activities had been found and added that the Ministry of Education would increase its supervisory role to end the trend.

    He blamed parents, teachers, religious leaders and sundry stakeholders for their negligence and abdication of duties and responsibilities toward their children and wards.

    “Let nobody make any mistake to think that cultism is restricted to Delta.

    “What we are suffering today flows from the failure of parents of yesterday, so parents of today must avoid such pitfalls.

    “Beyond the fact that we have asked the supervisory ministry to increase supervision, the authority in any school where cultism is found, will be called to answer,’’ Aniagwu stressed.

    On the recently-secured N71 billion supplementary budget by the outgoing government, the commissioner said it was aimed at meeting government’s obligations within the ambit of the law.

    He said Gov. Okowa’s administration had pledged to work till May 28, the last day of its tenure.

    Aniagwu noted also that Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, the incumbent Speaker, House of Assembly and governor-elect was also committed to work till the last day in office as speaker.

  • Gov Abioodun declares cultism as act of terrorism in Ogun

    Gov Abioodun declares cultism as act of terrorism in Ogun

    Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has declared cultism and social menace in the state as acts of terrorism, warning that his administration would deal with suspected cultists as terrorists.

    The governor, who made the declaration at the Akarigbo’s Palace in Sagamu on Friday at a stakeholder’s security meeting, said his administration has had enough and was ready to deal with the matter once and for all.

    “I am declaring cult members and cult activities here as an act of terrorism, I am taking these as a test of this administration’s will.

    ”I have sounded a note of warning at times past, I am resounding a fresh note of warning to all cult members, to their parents, to their landlords, to their sponsors.

    “From today, we are considering cult members and other criminals as saboteurs to the economy of not just this local government area, this town but this state. We will consider them as terrorists, I will deal with them as such.

    “I have instructed our law enforcement agencies to smoke these people out, I have told the Commissioner of Police that he has no other job until every single member of this cult is found out,” he stressed.

    Abiodun disclosed that his administration would establish a Joint Intervention Squad made up of the military, Police, Department of State Security, Civil Defence, and local vigilante to deal with cultism and other related crimes, especially in Sagamu.

    The squad, the governor said,  would be provided with necessary equipment while its headquarters would be sited in Sagamu Local Government Area of the state.

    “Reports show that there has been a prevalence of cult activities in Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Sagamu, Ikenne and Odogbolu particularly, we have been dealing with these issues over time.

    ” But in the last few weeks, we have began to see an upsurge in the cases of inter-cultist rivalry that has resulted in clashes and killings of innocent people,” he said.

    The Akarigbo of Remoland and Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, in his remarks,  said that people of diverse culture and religion had co-existed in the town for a long time.

    Ajayi said he wondered why few elements in the society should disrupt the peace and progress the town had enjoyed in the past.

    He said that the town could not continue to accommodate violence, noting that it was unacceptable.

    ” What is happening now is not in our culture and it is not in our interest. We have co-existed as brothers and sisters for a long time.

    ” It is time for parents and guardians to talk to their sons and daughters. Together, we shall overcome these trying times,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Seriki Hausawa of Sagamu, Alhaji Garuba Inua, while narrating an incident of a cult clash, said that the crisis was between rival cultists and not a case of the inter-ethnic skirmish.

    He pointed out that the Hausa and Yoruba communities engaged in cultism.

    Inua said that his people were ready to work with other stakeholders in restoring peace as they had adopted Sagamu as their own.

    Also, the Iyaloja of Sagamu, Mrs Folashade Oduwaye, expressed displeasure on the development.

    Oduwaye said the people were now living in fear and no one was safe due to the nefarious acts of hoodlums.

    She urged stakeholders to work together to eradicate cultism in the town.