The recent violent conflict between rival cult groups in Sagamu, Ogun State, has become a major source of concern for residents in the area.

FIJ gathered that more than 20 lives were lost in the most recent clash that spanned three days.

A resident, who asked not to be named, told FIJ that the incessant violent clashes have been ongoing in the town for quite a while.

He also said a previous clash that occurred after the 2023 general election claimed about 10 lives in the same Sagamu.

To confirm his claim, FIJ carried out a check and found out that two Sagamu residents had died in a cult clash that happened in April and another three had died in a similar clash on May 6, 2023.

READ ALSO: Teenager Recounts Her Abduction in Oghara Town Where Violent Gunmen Are Killing ‘for Survival’

FIJ also learnt from the resident that the clashes have recently developed from being just violent fights between rival student cult groups to bloody disputes involving indigenes who not only parade themselves as cult members but also belong to dangerous fraternities as well.

He said a great number of Sagamu residents, mostly young men, now belong to diverse cult groups.

He added that when cult-related violence occur in schools, they tend to end quickly. However, when they happen outside school environments, they continue for a longer time.

“If you are familiar with Sagamu, you will know that there is no higher institution here. So, it is not just students. Residents are there too. And cult clash is not peculiar to Sagamu,” said the resident.

“The rivalry has always been between the Eiye confraternity and Black Axe. You cannot really say what their issue is, but you will find that it is always rooted in supremacy battle.”

THE INNOCENT ONES ARE THE MAJOR VICTIMS

According to the resident, innocent indigenes often become victims of the clashes as they constitute a large percentage of Sagamu’s population.

He shared how a schoolboy, who died in the latest clash, had visited a barbershop to have his hair cut ahead of school resumption.

He said the barbershop belonged to a cult member. When a rival cult group visited his shop and could not find him, they killed everyone present including the schoolboy.

“It (cult clash) has been happening in Sagamu. It is a recurring issue. If I can remember vividly, immediately after election around April or so, there was a cult clash in Sagamu. About 10 lives were lost that period,” said the resident.

“And this month again, we have it. Over 20 people have been killed so far between Friday and Monday. The innocent are majorly the victims. It is such an unfortunate event.”

He further revealed that Sagamu residents now live in fear.

“Even without government declaring a curfew, you just have to be indoors by 6.30 pm or latest by 7.00 pm to avoid stray bullet or whatever other injury might come your way. We have to be at home on time to avoid any unforeseen circumstances,” said the resident.

“The source of livelihoods of many residents have also been affected as a result of the clash.

“If you come to Sagamu around 6.00 pm, everyone is indoors. There are some people whose businesses open by 6.00 pm and close by 10.00 pm, and they will make sales within that short period. But they can’t go out because of fear. What will they be eating? Schools have resumed now, how will they support their children?”

TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS NOT DOING ENOUGH

Another resident, who also asked not to be named, told FIJ that the traditional leaders in the area were not doing enough in terms of putting an end to the violent clashes.

“They have not been doing enough. We cannot rely on government all the time. The mobile police have come, but do you want to tell me they know the terrain of the community more than us? If they arrest hundred people today, I tell you that over 90 percent of them will be innocent,” the resident said.

READ ALSO: REVEALED: What Led to Bloody Duel Between Soldiers and Bandits in Niger

“Let the traditional institutions live to expectation. We can’t say because we want to kill an ant we should now employing the services of a sledge hammer when you can just go nearby and get pesticide or even design one yourself to terminate it.

“Only God can save us. All of us are living in perpetual fear. Even when the day breaks, those guys can just come from nowhere [and cause chaos].”

‘EFFORTS ARE BEING FRUSTRATED, SABOTAGED!’

FIJ gathered that a group called the Sagamu Peace Agenda Forum (SPAF) had tried to eradicate cultism in the town in the past but its efforts were sabotaged.

Kayode Howells, the chairman of the forum, told FIJ that SPAF had been trying its best in terms of rendering community service to the people of Sagamu, but the group was not getting the support it needed to excel.

“Our efforts are sometimes made futile. While we ensure the arrest of some criminals, some people go behind us to secure their release. And that doesn’t send a good signal. A criminal is supposed to be dealt with as a criminal,” said Howells.

“When a criminal gets arrested, and those who are supposed to support the arrest go behind to facilitate the release, what message are they passing across to the upcoming ones and the arrested person? It means whatever happens someone will be there for them.”

The chairman also said that the negative role internal community politics plays can also not be ignored.

“Some individuals who have never bothered to transform the mindset of these cult groups often resort to blackmailing the forum,” Howells said.

“This constant negativity is discouraging, especially when all hands should be on deck to eliminate the issue since these cult members live in the community.

“Despite knowing the identities of the members of these criminal gangs, residents are always too afraid to confront them. And when they see people making these efforts, they make derogatory statements and resort to sabotaging their efforts.

“For instance, you get wind of a plan to arrest someone. So, you quickly inform the person not to wait. That is sabotaging people’s efforts.

“Even the community leaders are not supportive. Our forum talks about empowering the boys after justice has served its course, so as to re-integrate them in the society but no one is there to give that support.

“The problem is that some hypocrites actually shy away from engaging them. They stigmatise them. But if we keep stigmatising and discriminating against them, how do we re-orientate them? Necessary support should be given.”

READ ALSO: Women Block Benue Road Over Frequent Herdsmen Attacks, Resist Soldiers, Police’s Attempts to Allow Vehicular Movement

TRADITIONAL RULERS NEED TO DO MORE

The SPAF chairman opined that, if the traditional rulers gave all the support needed to his group, the cult groups would not have continued disturbing the community unnecessarily and killing innocent people.

“It is not an encouraging thing for a murderer to run away from a particular community, probably to evade arrest. And after a period of time, the community reabsorbs that person as if nothing had happened. How then do they serve as deterrents to others? They automatically become role models to the upcoming ones,” Howells told FIJ.

“I am completely against the act of merely arresting cult members and charging them for cultism. They should be charged with murder because their actions often lead to the death of innocent people.

“Treating them as murderers would result in longer prison sentences, which can serve both as punishment and a way to reform their behaviour.

“Cultism is bailable. Why not charge them to court for murder? The period of time they will spend behind bars should serve as corrective and punitive measures.”

Abimbola Abatta is a reporter with FIJ writing reports in partnership with Report for the World which matches local newsrooms with talented emerging journalists to report on under-covered issues around the globe.