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The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the state’s Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood, along with government officials, to address the recent rise in cult-related violence in Mushin and other areas of the state.
Olayinka Kazeem, representing Mushin Constituency II, raised the motion during Monday’s plenary session, labeling it as a matter of urgent public significance.
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa expressed concern over the loss of lives due to cult violence, and additional officials summoned include the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Bolaji Robert; the commissioner for budget and economic planning, Ope George; and the commissioner for education, Tolani Ali-Balogun.
Obasa highlighted the importance of tackling the issue through improved security and effective youth engagement.
He stated, “Local governments need to be accountable for these miscreants, many of whom are now living under bridges. We must also enhance our efforts to engage the youth in meaningful activities.”
Earlier, Kazeem pointed out a troubling increase in cult-related violence and youth unrest in his constituency, describing it as heartbreaking for the affected families.
He urged the assembly to direct security agencies to intensify efforts against cultism and enforce stringent drug control measures.
He also called for immediate reorientation initiatives and intervention programs to divert the youth from violence. N
ureni Akinsanya from Mushin expressed support for the motion, noting that armed gangs have overrun numerous streets in the area.
Bonu Solomon (Badagry I) advocated for harsher penalties for offenders, cautioning against a lenient approach to cult violence.
Femi Saheed (Kosofe II) identified the misuse of sachet alcohol as a major factor in youth violence and proposed meetings with troubled youths as part of a comprehensive intervention strategy.
Rasheed Shabi (Lagos Mainland II) remarked that lawmakers frequently face pressure to secure the release of arrested cultists, suggesting that these individuals should be made to fully face the repercussions of their actions.
