By Obiotika Wilfred Toochukwu
We live in a culture that virtually diefies tolerance. Some love the devil which is tolerance taken too far. Cultism is a negative behaviour; an anti-social behaviour which is not acceptable and can cause harm to the well-being and image of the society. Cultism is a secret cult mostly found in our educational institutions.
Examples include: the Black Axe, Eiye Confraternity, the Mafia etc. Secret cult meetings and activities are carried out usually in the dark, most often against the accepted norms and values of the society. Cultism has become a major social problem both within and outside our higher institutions. Cult members have killed many people in the universities. It has been observed that students who indulge in smoking, drinking and generally live ungodly lives easily become cult members.
Cultism, like so many other societal ills, evils, started in Western Nigeria in 1952. There are intense occult manifestations, false prophesies, sorceries, divinations, enchantments, and familiar spirits that have been at an all time high. Too many wrong information, especially the ones on social media, are destroying our youths.
There are people today who carry enchanted charms and marks, using them for evil purposes. Many wear charms, demonic rings and amulets used to harm and rob others. They put on armlets on their waists and evil rings on their fingers as fashion accessories. The South East Nigeria experienced the dark side of cultism when young students in Ebonyi State University, Ikwo, chose nothing but the extreme beliefs, dictates of secret cult in the early 2000s.
The same scenario has come down to Nnamdi Azikiwe University. In the past one year, Awka, the capital of Anambra State has been witnessing an upsurge in killings, arson,deadly assault and rape being perpetuated by cultist. Many youths have joined secret cults as a way to live a life of choice, freedom and happiness. We may not be certain whether victims are members,rival gangs but it has generated fear, intimidation and terror amongst the inhabitants.
Becoming a member of a secret cult can be caused by family background or peer group influence. Some young boys and girls joined secret cults in school just by mere curiosity. The present structural unemployment in Nigeria has equally made some people to join secret cults. Lack of self-confidence and perceived injustice is another good reason for others. Some school authorities in various institutions are already members of a secret cult thereby pressuring the young ones to join. Exposure to violent films and other reckless lifestyle can as well predispose someone to become a member.
The effects of cultism on the society range from proliferation of arms, disruption of academic activities, distortion of societal values, vandalism and frequent murder. Some people have tried different ways to get joy and have been led into evil schemes, addictions, and wrong associations.
The life of fornication, cheating, lying, smoking, drinking, womanizing, backbiting, unforgiveness,seduction, malice etc. are all credences to cultism. One of the ironies of human nature is that it often has a way of rejecting the best and accepting the worst. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” This is the conflict of the ages!
Many thanks to the ‘Solution Initiative’ of Governor C C Soludo whose bill against cultism in the state has passed a second reading in the State House of Assembly. Parents should constantly monitor the behaviour of their children even while they are in school. Regular visits to check on them as well as financial support can go a long way in keeping them away from bad company. Students should be encouraged to join religious groups and develop the fear of God.
Educational institutions and the Government should enact strong laws against cultism and enforce such laws strictly. Expulsion of students in secret cult and prosecution of lecturers who encourage or harbour cult members should be upheld. There should be proper enlightenment and good orientation for new intakes. Sports and recreational facilities should be made available for the youths and students through extra curricular activities.
In conclusion, tolerating cultism is tantamount to complicity in its perpetuation, imperiling the very foundation of society. By recognizing the insidious nature of cults and taking decisive action to confront them, communities can safeguard their members against exploitation and manipulation. Only through collective vigilance and unwavering resolve can society stem the tide of cultism and preserve the values of freedom, integrity, and justice for generations to come.
Obiotika Wilfred Toochukwu
St. Anthony’s Catholic Comprehensive Institute,
Agulu.
