Security Report Ranks Ondo Fifth Among States Where Cultism Thrives

By Ayodele Oni

The Police Commissioner in Ondo State, Wilfred Afolabi has revealed the ranking of Ondo among States where Cultism thrives.

Afolabi disclosed  that Ondo is number five among the top states involved in Cultism in Nigeria.

The police commissioner made the revelation in Akure at the Youth Multi-Stakeholders Summit on Social Vices organized by the Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA), Ondo State Chapter.

There have been reports of cult related killings in the state of recent, especially in Owo and Akure, the state capital.

Represented by the deputy Commissioner of Police, Oluseyi Okenla, Afolabi described the development as disheartening.

“I heard somebody, a speaker said, Ondo States was known for its relative peace, but I can tell you in Nigeria today, intelligence reports indicate, if we mention 10 states in Nigeria, it’s a sorry situation, Ondo State is among the first five in cultism. This is food for thought.

“Where did we go wrong ? Cultism is a dangerous menace that has infiltrated our schools.

“Even in primary schools, do you believe it, primary schools, primary school students are being initiated into Cultism. This is a sad situation.

“My alma mater was the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. I used to think cultism was more pronounced in the east, but unfortunately, the west is gradually taking over.

“The worst is that this menace is now infiltrating our neighborhood. Can you imagine, to the extent that mechanics, are belonging to these groups, mechanics, traders, artisans, who did not even attend any schools, if you ask them, what is the reason, why did they join this Cult, they don’t know, they can’t even tell you, but they are members.

“What they know is that, they say we should kill, we will go and kill, they say we should do this, we will go and do this. This is a very dangerous menace.

“You see, the issue of Cultism, thrives on manipulation, fear. They will promise you heaven on earth, they say if you become a member, this is what you will gain, this is what you will gain, but it’s all lies.”