Group condemns renewed cult killings in Warri, blames community leaders

The Initiative For Social Rights Concerns And Advancements (ISRCA), popularly known as "No Justice, No Peace," has strongly condemned the renewed wave of cult related killings in Warri, Delta State, following the death of two persons during a clash between suspected members of the Eiye and Aro Bagger confraternities near Deco Junction, Igbudu Community.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade (Amb.) Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, the group lamented that cult clashes have claimed the lives of more than four young men in recent weeks and accused some community leaders of fueling the menace.

"The proliferation of cultism has gained momentum in various communities, compounded by the complicity of numerous community leaders in these illicit activities," the group stated, alleging that cult groups are often used for political thuggery and other unlawful purposes.

ISRCA called on the Delta State Police Command to urgently convene a meeting with community leaders and stakeholders in affected areas to develop lasting solutions, noting that many of those involved in the violence are known within the communities.

The group also urged security agencies to take decisive action against perpetrators, while calling for collaboration between the police, local vigilante groups and the Anti-Cult Volunteers Corps to stem the violence.

According to ISRCA, the growing involvement of youths in cultism is driven by unemployment, poor parenting and government neglect. It therefore urged the Delta State Government to intensify youth engagement and empowerment programmes, warning that the cultism crisis poses a serious threat to lives, communities and public security.