Sagamu, the headquarters of Sagamu Local Government Area in Ogun State, has been gripped by a wave of violent cult clashes that have left residents living in constant fear. The incessant clashes between rival cult groups have become a source of concern for the town’s residents, who are increasingly frustrated with what they perceive as a lack of decisive action from the government and security forces in curbing this menace.
Between January and September of this year, Sagamu has reportedly witnessed at least four deadly cult clashes, resulting in the tragic loss of approximately 30 lives. The situation has reached a point where residents are demanding swift and effective intervention to restore peace to their town.
In March, Governor Dapo Abiodun directed the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, the Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) to relocate their operations to the Sagamu area. This move came in response to a bloody cult clash in the town, during which eight lives were lost in a violent supremacy battle between two rival cult groups, Eiye and Aiye confraternities.
Tragically, in April, another clash occurred near Agbowa, behind Ewusi Palace, Makun, and Sagamu, resulting in the loss of two lives as these same rival cult groups clashed once again. Eyewitnesses reported the sound of gunshots filling the air during the confrontation, causing residents to flee in search of safety. When the dust settled, two lifeless bodies lay on the ground.
Just two months later, in June, another confrontation between these warring cult groups occurred around Ijagba, claiming the life of yet another young individual.
The most recent and brutal clash, which took place less than two weeks ago and spanned four days, resulted in a devastating death toll. While reports suggest that as many as 20 lives were lost, the police have officially confirmed eight fatalities. Many of the victims were innocent bystanders, caught in the crossfire of this senseless violence.
Oba Gisanrin Lasisi, the Odofin of Sonyindo, Sagamu, expressed deep concern about the situation. He confirmed that Sagamu had witnessed approximately four cult clashes this year, with the most recent being the most deadly. Oba Gisanrin described the cultists’ actions during the latest clash as resembling guerrilla warfare. He stressed the need for concerted efforts to prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy.
When asked about the root causes of the rising wave of cultism and cult clashes in Sagamu, Oba Gisanrin cited several contributing factors. Firstly, he mentioned that many of the cultists are not natives of Sagamu but come from other states like Osun and Oyo. Additionally, he identified three primary pillars supporting this growing evil: broken homes, an increase in drug and substance abuse, and the prevalence of “yahoo boys” involved in cybercrimes.
The Odofin explained that broken homes often play a significant role in shaping the paths of these young cultists. Many of them hail from broken families, where they lack the support and guidance needed to make positive life choices. Instead, they end up living with friends who are already cult members, ultimately leading them down the same destructive path.
Regarding “yahoo boys,” Oba Gisanrin highlighted their involvement in cult groups as a means of security against threats from others seeking a share of their ill-gotten gains. To protect themselves from intimidation and extortion, these fraudsters align with cult groups that offer protection.
The influence of drugs was another critical factor noted by Oba Gisanrin. He emphasized the significant volume of drugs circulating in Sagamu, pointing out that drug-induced aggression played a role in the cultists’ ability to commit acts of violence.
However, some residents of Sagamu believe that politicians and alleged police compromises further complicate the issue. According to anonymous sources, politicians have armed these cultists during elections, and both major political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are implicated. It is alleged that once cultists are arrested, politicians intervene to secure their release from police custody.
A local clergyman, Pastor Oluwatoyin Awofeso, attributes the persistence of cult clashes to the erosion of key family values such as integrity, discipline, the fear of God, and godly parenting. He lamented that many parents have shirked their responsibilities in raising their children, focusing instead on material success. This shift in priorities has resulted in a lack of accountability and moral guidance.
Awofeso called for a return to godly values, emphasizing that parents should not be afraid to ask their children questions and provide proper guidance. He cited the Bible’s teaching that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.
Unemployment has also been identified as a significant contributing factor. Many able-bodied men in Sagamu face unemployment, which may make them susceptible to recruitment by cult groups.
In a recent twist, the Department of State Services (DSS) conducted a sting operation and arrested Hon. Damilare Bello, the representative of Sagamu Constituency I at the Ogun State House of Assembly. Six other alleged cultists reportedly residing in the lawmaker’s official residence were also arrested during the operation, which took place around 12 am. Firearms and dangerous weapons were allegedly found during the DSS raid.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the arrest of Hon. Damilare Bello as an act of intimidation and harassment by the executive arm of the Ogun State government. The party questioned the hasty allegations of firearm possession when the DSS investigation was still ongoing.
Governor Abiodun has taken a stern stance against cultism and has threatened to introduce legislation that would impose the death penalty for cult-related offenses in Ogun State. He also plans to establish a special court to handle cultism-related cases and implement an amnesty program for cultists who choose to surrender their weapons and renounce their affiliations.
Commissioner of Police Abiodun Alamutu has vowed that the state command will take decisive action against anyone disturbing the peace. He attributed the recent Sagamu killings to a dispute over money related to a land sale, leading to violent attacks and counter-attacks.
Despite these efforts, residents of Sagamu believe that progress in reducing cult-related violence can only be achieved if there is no interference when cultists are apprehended. They contend that the overt and covert support from politicians poses a significant challenge to addressing this issue effectively.