Residents of Delta State are raising serious concerns over the growing wave of insecurity, particularly the alarming rise in cult-related violence, with many pointing to parental neglect and government inaction as key contributors.

In recent weeks, the state has witnessed a disturbing surge in cultism, marked by violent clashes and killings in several communities. The latest flashpoints include Abraka in Ethiope East Local Government Area and Ozoro, where bloody incidents have left residents in fear and mourning.

Reacting to the trend, Delta State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Bright Edafe, lamented the breakdown in parental responsibility, particularly the failure to monitor their children’s daily activities, especially boys.

“Nowadays, parents don’t care about what their children are doing. They need to go back to the drawing board and do their jobs thoroughly. Proper upbringing, based on societal norms and values, is critical to preventing youth from being lured into cult groups,” Edafe said.

He also issued a strong appeal to those already involved in cultism to quit immediately, saying, “There are no benefits in cultism. So, we must educate our youth to withdraw as early as possible before it is too late.”

Echoing Edafe’s concerns, Comrade Victor Ojei, also known as Wong Box, who leads the Young Nigerian Rights Organisation (YNRO), described the recent killings—particularly in Ozoro—as evidence of deeper systemic failures.

“These killings are not isolated—they are symptoms of a societal collapse,” said Ojei, who blames “The government, which swore to protect lives and property, but neglected its responsibilities for cultism to thrive because the youth have been abandoned.”

Ojei criticised the lack of employment opportunities, the absence of social welfare programs, and weak youth development initiatives. “When there’s no vision for the future, crime becomes a survival strategy. Welfare must be part of our crime prevention strategy. Without it, desperation breeds criminals,” he said.

He further emphasised the impact of poor parenting and peer pressure, highlighting the erosion of moral standards within families.

He said, “Many children today grow up without guidance. That void is filled by peer groups that often mislead them into destructive lifestyles. As the saying goes, ‘Evil communication corrupts good manners.'”

The activist also highlighted legislative shortcomings in tackling cultism. He praised Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo for pioneering anti-cultism legislation but lamented that other state assemblies, including Delta’s, have done little or nothing to follow suit.

He did not spare the National Assembly that failed to enact and enforce robust laws that criminalise cultism while providing for rehabilitation”

He declared: “Until our lawmakers and executives invest in youth welfare, education reform, and moral reorientation, we will continue to bury dreams along with the dead.”