Nigeria should move away from glorifying wealth and political power, and fosters values of hard work and integrity, argues PAT ONUKWULI
In the depths of Nigerian society, a silent and insidious force is stealthily and rapidly gaining power and influence. It is neither a natural disaster nor an external enemy but a cluster-created beast: cultism. Like Hydra, the many-headed monster in Greek mythology that Hercules slew, it grows its head whenever one is chopped off, feeding on the very fabric of the nation’s youth and turning them into ruthless perpetrators of violence.
Today, Nigeria faces the terrifying prospect of a future where cultism, far from being a mere criminal act, could become the very foundation of its social structure. The alarming rise in execution-style killings across states serves as a harbinger of a much darker future if this issue is not addressed urgently and comprehensively.
Cultism in Nigeria has evolved into an uncontrollable monster, its influence stretching far beyond the confines of university campuses. It has infiltrated every corner of society, from the streets of cities to the very corridors of power. It has rooted itself in trade associations and has even penetrated secondary schools. What once began as a misguided search for belonging and power has now morphed into a gateway for more extensive criminal networks. Cultism feeds on fear, ignorance, and the desperation of those who see no other way to rise above the poverty and hopelessness that define their lives. The tragic and brutal killings reported almost daily across the nation, often tied to cultic disputes, are just the tip of the iceberg.
At its core, cultism is a battle for control, especially of drugs and influence. Rival groups fight over territory, often resorting to violence to establish dominance. Whether on campuses or in urban neighbourhoods, their methods remain the same: intimidation, bloodshed, and terror. Cultism is usually the entry point of more dastardly crimes. Cult violence has long spilt over into mainstream society, taking on new forms of political thuggery, kidnapping, assassination, economic extortion, and even terrorism.
Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of cultism’s growth is its deeply embedded culture of fear. Cults demand unalloyed loyalty from their members, binding them in blood and coercing them into committing unspeakable acts to prove their allegiance. Once initiated, members are bound by an unspoken law of silence, existing within a web of fear: fear of punishment, fear of death, and fear of ostracism.
Behind the allure of cultism lies a potent factor: the unrestrained glorification of power, wealth, and status that has permeated every level of Nigerian society. In this environment, power is not earned through hard work or integrity; it is seized through violence, threats, and allegiances. The country’s elite set a dangerous precedent with their ostentatious displays of wealth, from flashy cars to extravagant parties. They glorify political power and success, regardless of how it is attained.
For some young people, joining a cult can seem like the only way to escape their circumstances. The promise of money, protection, and access to networks of influence is too appealing to ignore. But these youths fail to recognise the darkness lurking behind these promises. Cults, often intertwined with political and economic corruption, thrive on the misery they perpetuate. They are not the solution to poverty but an entrapment, a downward spiral of violence and crime that only breeds more violence and crime.
Cultism in Nigeria is a ticking time bomb, and unless addressed with urgency, it will tear apart the social and political fabric of the nation. This rise in cultism is not merely an academic concern but a national security threat. As these groups gain more power, they see themselves above the law. Politicians, business figures, law enforcement officers, and even religious leaders often disregard their activities out of fear or because they benefit from the power these cult groups wield. This creates a dangerous cycle where cult groups grow unchecked, strengthening their control over territories, communities, and, at times, entire states.
The recent surge in execution-style killings across the states is a glaring warning that the situation has reached a critical point. For instance, just within the week leading up to last Christmas, there were over 30 killings within the capital territory of Awka in Anambra State alone, and these were not isolated incidences. These killings are now pervasive and are often carried out with impunity. They are symptomatic of a much more significant and more deeply rooted problem. Indeed, it is a manifestation of a malfunctioning society. Left unchecked, this scourge will undermine the very survival of the nation.
Addressing this crisis will require more than establishing current anti-cult police units or passing new laws. While such measures may provide temporary relief, they do not address the root causes of cultism. Nigeria desperately needs a complete cultural reorientation that moves away from glorifying wealth and political power and instead fosters values such as hard work, integrity, and respect for life.
The nation must foster a society that discourages flaunting wealth, idolises political office holders, and venerates wealthy individuals. Nigerian youths should be reoriented to understand that success can be achieved through honesty, education, and community building rather than through violence and criminal alliances. This shift can only occur by creating new role models who rise through effort, innovation, and the betterment of society, not through fear and exploitation.
Moreover, Nigeria must invest in youth education, employment, and mentorship programmes. Cultism often thrives in environments marked by desperation, where young people feel they have no other avenue for survival. By equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and support they need to succeed, Nigeria can offer a path forward that does not involve violence or criminality.
The cycle of violence must be confronted directly. No longer can the country tolerate a situation where the vulnerable are preyed upon by those who hold power through intimidation and fear. Law enforcement must take a more aggressive stance, not only in pursuing the perpetrators of violence but also in ensuring that those in positions of power who enable or protect cult groups are held accountable. The message must be clear: no one is above the law.
Undoubtedly, Nigeria is at a crossroads. Without swift and decisive action, the nation risks descending into a state of lawlessness where violence reigns supreme. The time to sever the heads of this hydra is now. Cultism must be defeated before it consumes Nigeria’s future. The country needs new policies, enforcement measures, and a fundamental shift in the mindset that has allowed cultism to grow and thrive. This is a battle for Nigeria’s soul; it can be won if the nation acts now.
The question is whether Nigeria will rise to meet this challenge or allow the darkness of cultism to extinguish the hope for a better future for its youth and its people. The future is in the hands of the Nigerian people. It is up to all stakeholders to shape a future of peace, opportunity, and justice.
Onukwuli PhD, writes from Bolton, UK
patonukwuli2003@yahoo.co.uk
