The recurring menace of cultism across communities in the Southwest has once again drawn public condemnation following the brutal killing of two innocent residents in Ijebu Ilese, Ogun State. Commentators, community leaders and political observers say the tragedy highlights a worsening security emergency — one they attribute to weak political will, compromised institutions and growing impunity among cult groups.
Speaking with KosofePost.com, Omoba Awofeso Rasheed described the situation as a social scourge that has festered because authorities have failed to take decisive action.
“All of these are becoming recurring decimals because there is no political will to decimate it,” he lamented.
Aina Oyebanji also faulted traditional institutions for their silence, insisting that cult groups thrive because they serve as political foot soldiers during elections.
“Cultists are errand boys to politicians and are protected by them. If security agencies were adequately empowered, cultists would not have control in those towns,” he said.
Comrade Olayiwola Sulyman (OPOMULERO) linked the crisis to Nigeria’s campus political culture, where fraternities have long influenced student politics and gradually infiltrated mainstream politics.
“Many times, sitting governors and politicians engage these boys for dirty jobs. Some cultists are now honourable members in state assemblies and the National Assembly. They are senior fraternity members who protect their boys,” he stated.
Ogun Community in Mourning as Aye Hit Squad Kills Two Innocent Residents
The latest outrage stems from the killing of Faruq, a young police officer, and Kokori, a commercial motorcyclist, by members of the Aye (NBM) cult group in Ijebu Ilese. Police have since arrested several suspects, including the Number One Man of the Aye confraternity in the Ijebu Ode/Ilese axis. A suspect known as Tension, reportedly part of the hit squad that killed Faruq, is among those in custody.
Local intelligence paints a map of cult influence in the area:
Eiye dominates major sections of Ilese
Buccaneers control specific pockets
Aye (NBM) holds smaller territories
Aye and Eiye remain sworn enemies, with fatal consequences for boundary intrusions
The violence was allegedly triggered when the Aye leader mistakenly entered an Eiye area and was attacked. Though the Buccaneers intervened to save him, he was later removed by his group for “carelessness.” A retaliatory mission ensued, during which Kokori and Faruq, both non-cultists, were shot dead simply for being present in rival-controlled zones.
Faruq was buried yesterday amid widespread grief.
Rising Calls for Urgent Government Intervention
Security analysts warn that cultism in the Southwest now rivals insecurity in the northern region.
“Cultism is a big problem in the Southwest, and our leaders look away,” a KosofePost source emphasized.
Residents and observers are demanding:
Tough political will to dismantle cult networks
Fully empowered security agencies
Active intervention by traditional rulers
Depoliticisation of youth gangs
Community sensitisation and prevention initiatives
As the killings continue to fuel public anger, many believe it is time for governments at all levels to treat cult violence as a national security emergency not a seasonal crisis.
Reject Cultism.