Cultism and the activities of cultists in Nigeria is gradually and increasingly gaining grounds, as their members come to public places to celebrate their so-called anniversaries without minding any consequences for their actions.
Recently, the Delta State Police Command arrested 51 suspected cult members belonging to the Eiye confraternity, and the painful truth about the apprehending is that these gangs would be allowed back into the streets with a slap on the wrist or after posting bail money without any thorough punishment for the crimes committed over the years.
In Delta State, the police made the arrest while members of the Eiye confraternity were busy feeling merry and conducting an initiation of new members and also celebrating their anniversary within the premises of a hotel in Ogwashi-Uku Aniocha South Local Government Area of the state, without fear and all the confidence in the world.
In the past, there have been allegations that Politicians, Security Operatives and other prominent figures both in the entertainment industry and top business moguls are in one confraternity or another.
This argument is the reason why it is quite difficult to completely eradicate cultism in the country as these miscreants have key roles to play in influencing the outcome of elections, acting as hired helps to politicians who need their services, as well as assassins to take out opponents wherever their services are required.
However, in the eyes of the public, criminals and gang members like these are paraded for media publicity to show that the authorities are on top of the situation, but behind the scenes, these cultists are greater assets than anyone could imagine.
The Asaba police unit in its recent arrest showcased the suspects at the premises of the anti-cultism unit of the force, as this information was relayed by the state police public relations office, Bright Edafe.
Cultism: How Police Rounded up Eiye Members
While speaking, he said the suspected cult members were rounded up by operatives of the command’s Buffalo Patrol Team, following a tip-off, the operatives stormed the initiation venue.
However, the suspects on sighting the police took to their heels, while some of them shot at the police. Those who fled were given a chase by the team and the suspected cultists were arrested with two cut-to-size locally made guns, one expended cartridge and the Eiye confraternity regalia.
Spokesperson of the police said further investigations have commenced, adding that with those found wanting upon completion of investigation will be charged to court.
