Rights Activist Condemns Cult Clash In Agbarho

By Daniel Dafe

Comr. (Amb) Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, National Coordinator, Initiative For Social Rights Concerns And Advancements (ISRCA) AKA “No Justice, No Peace” has strongly condemned the ongoing cult violence in Agbarho town, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

In a statement on Friday, he added that the clash resulted in the loss of over three young lives, saying that “in light of the escalating crime and insecurity in the state and country, it is crucial that the Delta State Command and relevant authorities take swift and decisive action to contain the situation and bring suspected perpetrators to justice.”

He continued: “In a society where over 85% of youths engage in cultism, it warrants serious concern and attention from the Delta State Government. Also, it is imperative to acknowledge that the challenges posed by cultism are rooted in unemployment, poor parenting and negligence by the government at all levels. When youths are neglected, they become idle and, consequently, are easily lured into crimes which compromise their future and national security.”

According to him, “this pandemic of cultism, which has resulted in significant loss of lives is spreading rapidly and must be halted using every available means.”

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He said further: “The proliferation of cultism has gained traction in various communities, as numerous community leaders are complicit in these illicit activities, thereby facilitating and enabling these individuals, either as mercenaries to politicians or for other dubious purposes.”

He also noted that “through this conduit created by community and political leaders, it has had a profoundly negative impact on the illicit trade in firearms for political thuggery, after which they have failed to retrieve these firearms, which are subsequently utilized to commit cult-related crimes.”

“However, it is imperative that the Nigeria Police Force Delta State Police Command urgently summons the entire executives and leaders of the community; if possible, detain them to devise lasting solutions to the killings in the community. The local Vigilante and Anti-Cult Groups should also collaborate with the Delta State Police Command through the Agbarho Police Division to address the situation. The Delta State Governor; Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori should also recognize that there is much to be done regarding youth engagements and empowerment schemes to combat this menace of cultism,” he concluded.