By Vincent Ujumadu

AS stakeholders in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, move to end the worrisome cultism that is daily claiming lives of youths in the community, suspected cultists in their numbers, trooped to the venue of the meeting and were peeping from the sidelines to listen to what was discussed about them.

There was indeed tension in the vicinity of the Emmaus House, Awka , venue of the meeting, when women from the four quarters that make up Ezinano Awka started pointing at some youths who they identified as members of cult groups in their villages, looking into the hall from the windows.

In recent months, Awka had lost no fewer than 40 people, mainly youths, as a result of activities of rival cult groups who shoot perceived enemies at sight and the reprisal killings have also continued unabated.

Concerned by the development, the stakeholders have taken the bold decision to permanently eradicate it. Chief Jeff Nweke, a security expert and convener of the meeting, said a date will be set aside in December this year for all cultists in Awka to renounce it, failure which, a very drastic action will be taken against them.

Looking at the parents assembled in the hall, Nweke said: “If your child is a cultist, tell him to renounce it immediately because we will no longer tolerate cult killing in Awka.

“We know these cultists. They live with us . Cultism and violent crimes have become very rampant and these cultists kill people with esse and in our presence. Awka people loved each other and we are wondering what caused the change in attitude.

“Some parents have lost three children to cult killings and these people kill with impunity. As Awka people, we want to inform everyone that we will no longer condone it.

“We need to find a solution to the problem, but we have to first find out the cause and how to solve it, hence this stakeholders meeting. As much as we are rejecting this unfortunate trend, we believe that the best way to solve it is to identify the root cause.

“Cultism is eroding our values and our culture. We are industrious people, but our children have gone into something that is bringing shame to our community. We are therefore pleading with security agencies to help us by promoting security- community relationship.

“We cannot allow our people to be killed anymore. Anytime there’s killing, we should identity the killer before security operatives arrive.

“We Awka people from the 20 villages that make up four quarters of Ezinano have decided to end cult activities in the area. What is happening in Awka was not happening before.”

Although he attributed the surge in crime to the city’s status as state capital, he warned against resorting to “shoot on sight” tactics, instead of advocating for a collaborative approach with security agencies to address the root cause of the problem.

To ameliorate the negative impact of cultism on the families, Nweke announced that N100 million would be disbursed to the women to enable them start small-scale businesses to mitigate the effects of cult activities in the area.

Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Obono Nnaghe Itam, represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Aniete Eyo, identified inferiority complex, domestic violence, unemployment, and social injustice as underlying causes of cultism.

While commending Awka people for taking the bold step, the CP said: “I expected to see key players involved in cultism in this gathering, but I’m seeing innocent people, mainly women who are usually the victims. The most dangerous cultist is someone’s child and that is why the battle should start from the home”.

 He traced the origin of cultism to tertiary institutions, but noted that street cultists are often recruited by individuals who have graduated frolom higher institutions and are seeking a sense of belonging. Additionally, he blamed politicians for recruiting cultists during elections and highlighted the role of dysfunctional homes in contributing to cultism.

He warned that security should not be a one-man affair and called for synergy in combating crime and underscored the vital importance of families and schools in preventing cultism and other crimes.

The CP lamented that youths who are directly involved in cult activities were not there in large numbers and urged leaders of Awka to include them in their future programmes.

Highlighting the modes of operation of the groups, Nweke added:  “Cultists typically exhibit intense devotion and loyalty among their members, who may adopt unusual or extreme behaviors and practices as part of their commitment. These groups often operate in a secretive or insular manner, which can lead to misunderstandings and suspicion from the broader community.

“Cultism can be religious, spiritual, or even secular, encompassing a wide range of ideologies and practices. While some cults may provide a sense of community and belonging to their members, others have been associated with psychological manipulation, coercion, and exploitation. This duality makes the study and understanding of cultism complex, as it intersects with sociology, psychology, and ‘cultural studies. Cultism poses significant social, economic, and security challenges, particularly in regions like Anambra State, Nigeria. “Cults often have a central, charismatic leader who is revered and considered infallible by the members. This leader typically holds significant authority and exerts considerable control over the group. They promote a unique set of beliefs or practices that are distinct from mainstream society. These beliefs are often presented as the ultimate truth or the only path to salvation or enlightenment.

“The members exhibit extreme dedication and loyalty to the cult and its leader. This can involve significant sacrifices, such as giving up personal relationships, finances, or autonomy.

Cults often create a strong division between members and non-members, fostering an ‘us versus them’ mentality. This can lead to isolation from family, friends, and society at large.

“Cults may use psychological manipulation, coercion, and mind control techniques to maintain control over members. This can include constant indoctrination, peer pressure, and punishment for dissent. Typically they operate in a secretive manner, making it difficult for outsiders to understand their practices and beliefs. Members may be encouraged or forced to cut ties with the outside world to reinforce loyalty and control. They exploit their members financially, emotionally, and sometimes sexually. The leadership often benefits materially and gains power through the exploitation of followers.

“Cults often have a strict hierarchy and a rigid set of rules that members must follow without question. The leadership holds absolute power and decision-making authority and frequently use fear and intimidation to maintain control. This can include threats of punishment, ostracism, or dire consequences for leaving the group. They seek to control all aspects of their members’ lives, including their thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. This can lead to a loss of personal autonomy and identity.

“They actively recruit new members through deceptive or high-pressure tactics. Once inside, members are subject to various methods to retain their commitment and prevent them from leaving.

“These characteristics, when present in combination, help identify cults and understand the potential risks and impacts on individuals involved. While not all groups with some of these traits are necessarily cults, a high concentration of these features typically indicates cult-like behavior.”

He identified different kinds of cults.  The campus cults, he added, are secret societies that often engage in violent activities, rivalry, and criminal behavior. Notable examples, he said, include the Pirates Confraternity, Buccaneers, Black Axe, and the Eiye Confraternity, which were originally formed to address social injustices, but have since devolved into violent and criminal groups,

He said that there are also groups that operate outside educational institutions, often comprising youths and ex-students who engage in street violence, armed robbery, kidnapping, and drug trafficking.

Another set of cult groups identified by the security expert are those he called traditional religious cults, which are based on indigenous religious practices and involve secretive rituals and ceremonies. They often hold significant influence in rural areas, maintaining traditional beliefs and practices that can sometimes lead to conflicts with modern laws and practices.

“These cult groups are often mobilized by politicians to intimidate opponents, rig elections, or control territories. They can involve both youths and adults, using violence to achieve political goals.

“Some are social and economic cults formed with the aim of gaining economic advantages or social status. These might involve business elites or influential community members who use their cult affiliation to gain unfair advantages in contracts, employment, and other economic opportunities. Each form of cultism poses significant challenges to security, governance, and social stability in Nigeria, often resulting in violence, crime, and a pervasive culture of fear and intimidation.”

Going forward, the meeting agreed  that the Special Anti-Cult Unit should focus on gathering intelligence and conducting surveillance on suspected cult activities, adding that by proactively identifying and monitoring cult groups, the unit can intervene before these groups commit crimes.

Security operatives who helped to fight cultism in Awka were appreciated at the meeting.  They include ACP Chris Bassey who was former officer in charge of Special Anti-Cult Squad, Enugwu-Ukwu, SP Kennedy Kelechi Oti,  former DPO, B Division, Awka and ASP Peter Ijeoma- former O/C Area Command, Awka, who was abducted and has not been found till date.

They were given awards with #500,000 each attached.