Stakeholders seek collaborative approach to combat cultism in Lagos

Concerned about the widespread issue of cultism in educational institutions and the society at large in Lagos State, experts are advocating a comprehensive strategy to address the problem.

While recent police operations resulted in numerous arrests, experts believe that a more holistic approach is necessary to effectively combat the menace.

Experts said that previous efforts to curb cultism had fallen short and call for a renewed focus on addressing the root causes of the issue, including societal and familial factors.

This, they stated, is essential for creating a safe environment for education and civil life.

An Assistant Chief Technologist at Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Austin Odinaka, suggested that changing the curriculum and promoting proper child upbringing at home are key solutions.

Odinaka and other experts advocate a collaborative approach involving primary schools, tertiary institutions, and the broader community.

Also, a former lecturer of LASUSTECH, Afeso Moses, who faced threats and assaults from cultists, emphasised the importance of stricter laws and effective enforcement to combat cultism.

He also stressed the need for protection of members of staff and students who are increasingly targeted by these groups.

Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Prof. Onyemachi Ogbulu, urged students to reject all forms of social vices, especially cultism.

He stressed the significance of cooperation between school administrators, parents, and security agencies in addressing cultism and encouraged parents to engage in open dialogues with their children to steer them away from harmful associations.

Legal practitioner and certified mediator, Edeh Chukwuemeka, urged the government to provide job opportunities for deserving youths to deter them from criminal activities.

Chukwuemeka also underscored the importance of educating youths across Nigeria about the dangers of cultism.

Lagos State Police Command reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on cultism, with the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, promising extensive security deployment to hotspots.