Two cult groups go berserk In Esit-Eket despite the avowed commitment of the state government, His Excellency Udom Emmanuel, to nip secret cult, society, and groups promoting violent behavior in Akwa Ibom State, which he signed into law the Cultism and Other Violent Behaviour (Prohibition) Order, 2020 for the state.
According to him, he stressed “Cultism and Other Violent Behavior(Prohibition) Order, 2020, in the exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 70 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. 38, Vol. 2, Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2000 and all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria do hereby make the following – order 1. (1): the cults, societies, and groups listed herein are hereby declared unlawful and forthwith proscribed in Akwa Ibom State”.
The cult groups according to subparagraph one (1) of the order which was proscribed viz: Vikings, Black Axe, KKK, Buccaneers, Mafia, Luttox (Junior Black Axe), Debam, Dewell, Icelanders, Red Skins, Pirates, Amoc, Akwa Marines and Utoto Groups (419).
From a narration, the clash between two of the proscribed groups in a village called Akpa Utong in Esit-Eket L. G. A., which has claimed not less than seven lives was instigated through a misunderstanding between Black Axe and Icelanders cult groups, started on Friday 30th April 2020.
Also, the story narrated by an eyewitness, has it that families of each cult group are affected. The two groups at some point would go in search of their opponents to brutalize and kill in each of the family houses. Then eventually, innocent family members and loved ones suffer the penalty when on realizing that they are not with their families. Properties like houses, cars amongst others were destroyed leaving many families homeless. Businesses and churches, movement of dwellers are restricted at this period as they vacate the place for safety. At this point, special intervention measure is required from the state government as this goes against the law, while a call for a quick response from the law enforcement agency is needed for the safety of the innocent inhabitants.
On a general note, cultism is one of the major social problems in Nigerian as a whole as its activities and mode of operation are usually shrouded in secrecy and are inimical to the interests of the innocent inhabitants in particular and the society in general. Its high time insecurity concerns are thoroughly deliberated the same way the causes are analyzed.
