Ogun State House of Assembly has passed a resolution calling on the state government to prevail on security agencies to clamp down on activities of cultists and the need to appoint Commissioner for Youth, with a view to driving policies and programmes that would aid youth engagements, to address the menace of cult clashes.
The passage of the resolution followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Yusuf Sherif and seconded by the Minority Leader, Lukman Adeleye, shortly after the lawmakers debated on the escalating violence of cult clashes in the state, at the state House of Assembly complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Opening debate on the motion leading to the passage of the resolution, the sponsor, Hon. Adebisi Oyedele, noted that the House observed with concern, the recent disturbing trend of incessant cult killings across the state, especially Abeokuta, where no fewer than 10 individuals had lost their lives to cult-related violence at different locations, including shootings of five individuals in broad daylight.
“Worried about the sporadic shooting at Kuto Garage about five days ago, creating civil unrest for dwellers which was traceable to a cult gang trying to hit another target.
“Also worried that the continuous killings among young people across the state are adversely affecting businesses and tarnishing the reputation of our dear state. Worthy of note is the recent intervention of the state government, State Police Command of the Nigeria Police Force and the traditional rulers which have resulted into a calm environment in Sagamu axis”, he said.
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Lukmon Atobatele, Adeyanju Adegoke and Adeleye Lukman, who submitted that activities of cultists in the state needed to be addressed, especially through advocacy and youth orientation, appealed to residents to contribute to the security of the society through intelligence information to security operatives, calling for unhindered prosecution of criminals in the guise of cultism, to serve as a deterrent to others.
In his response, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide denounced the celebration of moral decadence in the society which had abetted the spreading of crimes and criminality, imploring youths to persevere, imbibe nobility and be productive by engaging in lawful activities that could earn them decent living.
