IMO Community Banishes Cultists Over Killing of 20 Year Old Man (Photos )

Troubled by the menace of cultism, especially the killing of a 20 year old man a fortnight ago by suspected cultists, the people of Irete community in the Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State have began a campaign to end the ugly trend in the area

This was even as the community had resolved to banish any youth of the community who involves in cult related related activity anymore.

At meeting on Saturday which comprised clerics, security Agents, members of the community and their leaders, the visibly disturbed villagers resolved to explore legal options to make sure that those who indulge in the unlawful act were brought to justice.

Addressing the gathering, the Divisional Police officer in charge of the Area, Haruna Adamu, said "cultism is now a sickness in this part of the world. Cultism which was prevalent in the universities is now predominant in primary and secondary schools, including villages".

Adamu, a Chief Superintendent of Police who urged parents, teachers and community leaders to end the scourge, maintained that those who take part in cultism were those who feel that they were above the law.

While advising the youths to stop taking laws into their hands, like administering jungle justice on people, the DPO added "a cultist can die at anytime. A cultist is a walking corpse. Instead of of carrying books, cultists bear arms and ammunition, using them to kill people and sack communities".

The parish priest of St Peter's Anglican, Irete and Youth pastor of the Diocese of Owerri, Rev Timothy Ashama, said "most youths are destroying their future by themselves. Youths have to fight and work to secure their future. They need to take hold of what belongs to them. Cultism and other social maladies are not options".

"smoking of Indian hemp, cultism, fighting, raping women and engaging in acts that do not bring peace to the society are are bad for your futures . Most youths have living wasted lifestyles ".

The convener of the meeting, Noble Atulegwu, said" if we destroy the leaders of tomorrow today, we won't have leaders tomorrow to lead. I encourage the youths to leave cultism and be useful to themselves by learning skills ".