By Abbas Yahaya
Due to the nefarious activities of Cultists in Kabawa Community of Lokoja local government area of Kogi state, stakeholders, youths and Islamic cleric of the area on Monday held a protest to draw attention to the negative effects of Cultism and have condemned in strong terms incessant cult activities being witnessed across various communities.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as: “We stand against cultism and its activities”, “Say no to youth killing”, “Cultism is 100% bad”, “Say No to Cultism”, “Cultism is a scam”, “Cultism kills faster than cancer,” “Cultism pays N0.00k”, “Cultism is not ruggedity,” among others, the protesting youths marched from Baba Ndana area of kabawa to different axis in the communities of kabawa including Kporoka area.
Closely monitored by the District Head of Kabawa, Alh. Abdulkadir Yahaya, Tafida of Budon, Alh. Abdulrahman and Chief Imam of Isa Kutepa Central Mosque, Lokoja, Imam Yahya Abubilat who walk ahead leading more than one hundred youths including traditional titleholders and political appointees in the solidarity, young men and Muslim clerics joined them at different intersections, in the walk of disclaiming Cultism.
In an exclusive chat with Media men, the Hakimi of Kabawa said that the peaceful solidarity protest against Cultism was borne out of the fact that many young men and women have lost their lives and properties to Cultist activities.
The ‘Mai-Anguwa’ said that a recent reference was the death of a young boy who was allegedly hacked down by Cultists a week ago; in the process of initiation into a cult group.
He said: “We are saying NO to cultism and cult related activities, because it is an evil that blows no one any good. The protest today is our sacrificial gift to Kabawa residents. We have nothing else to offer than to make the lives of our youths be reasonable.
In an interface with a major PDP stakeholder in the community, Alh. Idris A Lakwaja lament that “Cultism is deceitful and a destiny killer, so we are not ashamed of doing what is right. If we don’t tell our youths the truth, the sad reality will haunt is forever. We are not fighting war in Kabawa, any youth who claims to be rugged should go out and not to threaten hapless people.”
Many of the protesters, especially the elderly, who looked traumatized by the attacks carried placards, complaining that the Cultists in their reign of terror barred them from going about with their normal activities
Speaking on behalf of the Peace Forum Security, Alh. Ibrahim popularly known as ‘Ya-Ibro’ said ‘However, we will make sure that there is no reoccurrence as security agents have been working round the clock to combat insecurity in Kabawa Community. I also want to appeal to our mothers to caution their children against cultism. The perpetrators are presently regretting their actions.
Speaking during the protest that had in attendance retired security agencies, traditional rulers, political appointees, among others, Hon Abdulrahman Idris Hussain said that more lives and property would have been lost to Cult clashes if not for his timely intervention in addressing affected parties.
He said: “Security of Kabawa has been my major concern as young leader. Though it has not been easy for me, I want to thank God for His grace, especially because of those we have been working together with in tackling issues affecting the community which today is yielding fruitful result.
In his speech, Alh. Muhammad Yanda “I feel sad whenever I hear about the issue of cultism in Kabawa. It gives me sleepiness nights and I weep over what our town is becoming. Whenever I get the opportunity, I advise young people to change for the better and shun cultism. I am not a cultist and will never be, let alone identifying with cultists.”
The people have now called on social media users from various communities in Lokoja to take up the challenge of writing on the negative effects of cultism. Instead of channelling the energy on criticising the state government, they should look inwards and see how they can be advising the youths against cultism for a better town… Continue reading