A surge in cult-related violence in Benin City and across Nigeria has sparked a public call for action from Hon. (Amb) Inneh Elliot, councillor for Ward 09, Chief Whip, and Chairman of the Peace and Security Committee of the Egor legislative arm.

Disturbed by the growing loss of lives linked to cult activities, Elliot has called for collective efforts to curb these deadly attacks and restore peace.

Elliot reflected on the original mission of university-based confraternities, which were initially founded on camaraderie, human rights, and social justice. He lamented that these groups, once dedicated to fighting for social change, have in many cases evolved into violent factions embroiled in deadly rivalries.

Rather than challenging government policies or addressing social injustices, some groups have become tools for manipulation, used to sow division and unrest. This shift, Hon. Elliot argues, has only escalated the violence between rival factions.

“Why should young men kill each other over colors or affiliations?” he questioned, appealing to the humanity and sense of purpose within cult members. “No national award has ever been given for senseless killings,” he added, urging members to seek peace and channel their grievances constructively. He called for an end to the violence, reminding communities that all lives are interconnected.

Hon. Elliot proposed several strategies to tackle this growing crisis. First, he called for the intervention of local governments to lead educational campaigns that address the dangers of cultism and emphasize the benefits of peaceful coexistence. He urged lawmakers to create and enforce laws aimed at curbing cult violence and fostering safer communities.

He also emphasized the role of security agencies, suggesting that police establish neutral channels where confraternity members can voice grievances without fear of reprisal. This approach, he said, would enable proactive measures to prevent violence while promoting dialogue between rival groups.

Furthermore, Hon. Elliot encouraged confraternity members to recognize how they are often exploited for political gain. During protests or elections, cultists are frequently used to disrupt civil actions, he pointed out, urging members to work towards unity rather than perpetuating divisions. He cited recent sporting events, such as football matches between rival confraternities, as successful examples of peaceful engagement.

In addition to this, he urged residents who are not involved in cult activities to avoid making demeaning remarks about confraternities to prevent further escalation. Cult members, he noted, are often sensitive to perceived disrespect, and inflammatory comments from the community can fuel unnecessary tensions.

Hon. Elliot also proposed collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors to promote peace-building activities, such as community sports and arts initiatives, which could help foster unity and provide positive outlets for young people. He suggested offering incentives for peaceful members, including awards for those who abstain from violence.

In his closing statement, Elliot expressed condolences to the families of those lost to cult-related violence, including a recently slain medical doctor. He called for healing and a renewed commitment to peace. “We all need each other to survive,” he said, appealing to residents, authorities, and confraternity members alike to take the steps necessary to end the violence.

With this message, Hon. Elliot, who serves as Chairman of the Peace and Security Committee, hopes to inspire collective action and restore peace in Edo State.