Get Guardian on GoogleThe Lagos State House of Assembly has summoned the Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood, and three other key officials in response to renewed cult clashes and violence in Mushin and other parts of the state, which have claimed innocent lives.
Also summoned are the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bolaji Thomas; the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Ope George; and the Commissioner for Education, Toani Ali-Balogun.
The motion was raised during yesterday’s plenary by Olayinka Kazeem, representing Mushin Constituency II, under Matters of Urgent Public Importance.
Kazeem highlighted a troubling increase in cult-related violence and youth unrest in his constituency, with some underage youths now participating in cult clashes, endangering life and property.
“This issue is heartbreaking to both the people and the families of these children. I urge the Assembly to mandate security agencies to intensify the crackdown on cultism and enforce strict drug control,” Kazeem said. He also advocated for urgent reorientation and intervention programmes to redirect young people away from violence.
Nureeni Akinsanya of Mushin Constituency I supported the motion, noting that gangs armed with dangerous weapons have taken over several streets in the area, including Abiodun and Olusoga streets.
In a rare moment of candour, Rasheed Shabi disclosed that lawmakers often face pressure to bail out arrested cultists but suggested that such individuals should now face the full consequences of their actions.
Bonu Solomon (Badagry I) called for harsher penalties for offenders, warning against excessive sympathy for those involved in cultism. Meanwhile, Femi Saheed (Kosofe) identified the abuse of sachet alcohol as a significant contributor to youth violence. Saka Solaja Olumo recommended stakeholder meetings with troubled youths as part of a broader intervention strategy.
Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, acknowledged that the issue is prevalent across Lagos State. While recognising the strain on prison facilities, he emphasised the importance of alternative solutions, such as engaging youths through sports—a programme the House had previously budgeted for.
“The local governments must take responsibility for these miscreants, many of whom are now living under bridges. We must also intensify efforts to engage the youths meaningfully,” Obasa stated.
The Speaker concluded by affirming that the Commissioner of Police and the other concerned commissioners would be summoned to appear before the House for further deliberation, after which the Assembly would take a definitive stance.
