Cultism has been a major plague in the society with its war on society subsisting. It is particularly so on Nigeria’s university campuses.
With no introduction when the word is mentioned in our modern society there is only one image that comes to mind is that of people who belong to a particular group and who live outside social laws and norms through harsh initiation.
With each having and often pursuing a different belief, it is surprising that the first cult group was created by one of the most prominent intellectuals in Africa, Wole Soyinka, in 1952 but with a totally different ideology. Over time, it evolved and as it kept gaining publicity, more broke out with different doctrines, ideologies and beliefs.
Many young men are influenced to join while some are forced and others tricked under the guise of promoting brotherhood, philanthropy and providing protection. Some of these groups are Buccaneers, Pyrates, Black Axe, Aro Mates, Air Lords, Dedy na debt, Ciao Sons, Black Bra, and Daughters of Jezebel.
Their initiation processes are usually complex, brutal and inhuman where prospective members may have to go through torture and abuse, some of which involve flogging with either cane or machete, drinking of blood, fighting with others, in most cases female recruits submitting to vigorous sex in front of other members in a manner that leaves scars.
Several factors push youths to join these groups in the first place. Such include: the feeling of belonging and acceptance by a strong group; poor family upbringing; frustration, hardship and social injustice; need to be protected from the unknown; injustice and frustration in school; and peer influence.
Cultism has been one of the major causes of loss of life among youths in society as they often die for no tangible reason. There are always raging rivalry between groups, therefore, leading to shootouts and killings. Many who are fed up and wanting out are usually stuck by reason of the oaths they swore to during initiation.
This phenomenon is not just a danger to those who decide to join in but also the ones around them and society at large. Family members are sometimes mortgaged to ensure one’s loyalty else the disappearance or death of such dear relatives.
There have been several reports of cult clashes over the years as massive shootouts were recorded which had led to the loss of lives and property. Innocent bystanders at such places had lost their lives in crossfires between warring cult gangs. And in our universities, we see these things as they also exist even in private and mission schools; but it has taken a greater toll on those in the public schools as cult members can openly and easily be identified as they always fly their colours and are seen at strategic corners of the schools to rob students of their properties, e.g phones, shoes wallets, wristwatches in general and anything they find attractive.
There have, indeed, been so many accounts by several students and other persons of how they were robbed over and over again at a certain spot. And from several victims and eye witness’ accounts, before a person is robbed or attacked there is always an identity check to avoid mistakenly attacking a co-member or friendly gang fellows. To easily identify themselves, each group has a special body mark, greeting style, slangs or other means of identification.
For security sake, cultists also bear nicknames by which they are known among their members aside their real names. They normally wear certain bangles, caps or other not-too-visible paraphernalia to indicate their status among members on campus.
Here is one other thing about campus cultism; its consequences are not only felt by the members but also relatives and people around them. Members and their loved ones could lose their lives. It often ends badly for anyone who is connected to such miscreants. And with this comes the frequent threat to lives and property, including the killing of students. It encourages arms proliferation, general insecurity and negatively affects the image of the institution. In fact, it is difficult to understand why people join such even after knowing all these devilish sides of it.
Finally, there is not one final solution to the problem of cultism as it is a menace now deeply rooted in society. But this issue can be reduced significantly if people play their due parts in society. The government should first see this as a priority and ensure tight security to citizens, with the provision of rehablilitation centres where culprits may be sent when caught.
There should be provision of proper counselling by universities to help re-orientate repented members and help set them on the right part, the topic of anti-cultism should be a reoccurring one during orientations and seminars. There should also be anti-cultism movement in the campuses or a parade and movement that show the negativity of cult groups and their activities. This should go with a lot of prayers by everyone as they play their part in order to save our campuses and the larger society.

By: Favour Inimgba
Inimgba wrote from Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State.