RUJMASS (Vol.

9 No 2) Dec 2023

Threat of Cultism to the Society: A Case Study of the South-

South Region of Nigeria

Bennet Essien Ekpe

Abstract
This study investigates the incidence of cultism in the south-south region of Nigeria. The study
further sought to achieve other objectives and possible resolution in cultism activities which include
identifying community intervention, government intervention and crime stoppage. In other to curb
out cultism we need to identify the causes of cultism in our environment, its effect and crime
prevention to safeguard the life and properties of citizens. Consequently, this paper examines the
causes of cultism in our society and the role the state needs to play in resolving these cult activities
by getting firsthand and vital information in order to gain deeper insights into the modus operandi
of cultists in our environment as well as what need to be done in other to result to fight this menace
in our society. Cult activities (i.e. cultism) in Nigeria are pervasive and destructive, with shocking
results: The source of data for this paper was derived from the internet and existing literature, a
quantitative research method was used. The study further revealed that poor parenting, peer group
influence, youths being used as political tools, lack of government intervention in curbing crime,
lack of jobs creation; to mention a few could really increase crime and cultism activities in our
society. The study recommends that cult activities play a negative role in diverse ways which will
be of great disappointment to a wider society if not properly eradicated and controlled; also, the
police should create awareness for everyone to provide useful and needful
information.
Keywords: Cultism, South-South Region of Nigeria, Causes, Effects and Peace Building

Introduction
Cultism in the South-South Region of Nigeria has been a frequent occurrence in the past which has led to loss of
lives and properties also lead to poor economic and agricultural growth within the locality. This has made the
States not conducive for education; it is now common in our secondary and tertiary institutions where there are
cult rivals clashing daily even at broad daylight with dangerous weapons on the street destroying and killing
themselves and innocent citizens. It is urgent that these immoral acts come to a still for schools' safety and better
learning environment. Additionally, our youths are not learning or focusing on academic tasks since cultism has
taken hold in our society. Cultism is a factor that, with the right management, can be controlled. In the South-
South region of our beloved country, cultism and related activities have posed a serious threat, challenging and
instilling terror in the lives of individuals and the educational system. Cultism is an activity or practice of a group
of people with one common spiritual, religious or philosophical belief. Cultism and gang related conflict trend
differently across the regions in Nigeria. They are most prevalent in the South-South region of Nigeria. A 2017
Report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) attributed two-thirds of the most violent conflicts events in
the south-south region to cultism.

In general, sociological studies, the term cult has been subjected to a whole lot of controversial and divergent
definitions. But most cults are referred to as secret cults. They are called cults because their activities and practices
are hidden from the public and non-members. Members of secret cults often swear an oath of allegiance or go into
covenant with each other. They are meant to defend their beliefs and practices down to their very last breath
(Johnson, 2017). The point of view is based on the fact that these sets of humans have no fear of committing havoc
on a daily basis and wasting lives without a second thought and it is obvious beyond imagination.

35
Threat of Cultism to the Society: A Case Study of the South-South Region of Nigeria

The menace of cultism indeed has become a perceived threat to the society which needs an urgent call for
collective and social action from the government. With the population of cult groups in Nigeria and in our
institutions, one cannot predict the next move of action if not properly investigated or eliminated, the researcher
submitted to you that except urgent measures are taken to fight the menace, our society may never be safe or
secured for citizens. The situation has gotten out of hand, and it is observed that cult activities are carried out
‘ransom are being paid but still the lives of those involved are being taken’ and nothing's been done about it, the
worst is yet to come if preventive measures and machinery are not put in place.

However, there are numerous cases of armed robbery, kidnappings, rapes, and killings among others, that are
attributed to cult groups especially the Black Axe (also called Egede) and the Aro-Mate (also called the reds) that
appear to be the most notorious of all the cult groups in Cross Rivers State. This highlights the complexity of the
insecurity situation in the region, especially Cross Rivers State in cases like the cult clash related activities in
Okundi community of Boki Local Council in Cross River Central Senatorial District, where lives and properties
were lost, several houses and millions were burnt within two days. Meanwhile, the State Police Commissioner,
Austine Agbonlahor, when contacted, confirmed the incident, disclosing that it was a cult war but could not
ascertain how many lives were lost (The Guardian: 2017).

Operational Definition of Cultism

The definition of cultism could be seen as a ritual practice by a group of people whose membership, initiation,
policies, and activities are secret and kept secret, with their activities having negative effects on both members
and non-members (Ajayi, et al. 2010). Members of secret cults often swear an oath of allegiance or go into
covenant with each other; they are to defend their beliefs and practices down to their last breath. In contemporary
Nigerian society, cultism has constituted a major social problem and vices. This menace that is very common in
tertiary institutions in Nigeria today. Cultism itself, according to history, started for a good cause, but over time,
things have changed.

A Brief Origin of Cultism in Nigeria

It is paramount to note that Modern day cultism does not tow the same path as that of the Ogboni, Ekine, Owegbe,
among others. The Ku Klux Klan popularly known as (KKK) inspired Modern-day cultism in Nigeria. Their
activities were targeted toward the ex-slaves and those who gave them freedom. KKK sought to restore white
supremacy by threats and violence, including murder against Black and those who supported them. These
activities inspired our nationalists to intensify their fight against colonialism in Nigeria and thrive for
independence. It therefore led to the establishment of the first recognized Cult group in Nigeria, National
Association of Sea Dogs also known as Pyrates Confraternity (Ajayi, 2010).

The Origin Cultism was traced to the Sea dog Confraternity that is also known as the Pirates were formed in 1952
at the University of Ibadan by a group of seven students whose names are: Wole Soyinka, Pius Olegbe,
Olumuyiwa Awe, Aig-Imoukhuede, Ralph Opara, Olu Agunloye, and Tunji Tubi. The peaceful and non-
violent confraternity setup then in the 1980s, metamorphosed into a secret cult whose activities have been
characterized by some bizarre and violent activities. (Ajayi, 2010). Their objective was to fight non-violently but
intellectually and effectively against the imposition of foreign conventions, to review the age of chivalry, and to
find a lasting solution to the problems of tribalism and elitism. The formation of this secret cult was in good faith
and with good intentions. Their activities and operations were aimed at fighting colonialism and oppression. They
equally rendered social services such as blood donation to hospital and presentations of gifts to orphanage homes
etc. (Ajayi, 2010). It was not until the 1990s that they began spreading to the streets and creeks. The motto of the
confraternity was “Against all Conventions.” Sources indicate that Supreme Eiye Confraternity (SEC) (SEC n.d;
BBC 27. Jan. 2016) is also known as the Air Lords (ibid; The Guardian 6Nov. 2015) or the National Association
of Airlords or unlawful society’’. Sources further indicate that Eiye is one of a number of similar groups active in
Nigeria (Ezeonu 19 Sep, 2013, 270; ISS 31 Mar. 2015; UN 2014, 56).
36
RUJMASS (Vol. 9 No 2) Dec 2023

Brief History of Cultism in the South-South

In current Nigeria, especially in the South-South region, cultism has caused serious unrest to its citizens; these
acts are carried out by youths in which it’s seen as a way of life. Members of different cult groups in Nigeria are
extremely dangerous, and members of a particular cult are always ready to kill their fellow rival cultists at any
time without remorse or regret. The modern-day cults kidnap people, beat lecturers that offend them and engage
in other social vices. The cult members have dealt with some lecturers and individuals who have relationship
affairs with members’ girlfriends and boyfriends. Many engaged in cybercrimes and armed robberies. Politicians
also employ many cult groups in Nigeria to scare or deal with their political rivals. Cultism in especially in the
South-South region of Nigeria has nothing to offer society but social vices and evil practices. Data from the
Nextier Violent Conflict Database (24, July 2023) reveals that Rivers State tops the list of reported cult activities
in the country. Today cultists are hardly recruited from Universities, but rather from the street of Benin City, the
capital of Edo State in the South of Nigeria, where the top originate. Some of their members are businessmen,
civil servants politicians and even musician (Alexis, 2023).

Literature Review
Cultism is an organization formed by students while in the school, most specifically in the tertiary institution.
Molagun (2003) defined cultism as a religious group often based on instant emotive experience rather than on a
throughout dogma of most world religions. Beth, (1982) Advanced Oxford Dictionary defines cultism as a term
coined out of the word cult, and that cultism is an extreme religious group that is not part of an established religion.
Omebe and Omebe (2015) believed the problem of secret cults has assumed a crisis in our society and Nigerian
education sector. The wide use of violent armaments including arms and ammunition by these cult members or
groups signifies a grave danger for the growth of education in our country and the wider society because it
threatens the well-being of its citizens. Ojo, (1995) paints an unhappy picture of the condition when he writes that
“students keep dying, getting damaged and disfigured; they keep being sexually distraught by occult
confraternities in the society and school environment. Yet the school establishments are doing nothing to challenge
the evil” (p.47). Lar (2005) in his words pointed that the actions of cult members have led to so much loss of life
and property mainly in our institutions of learning; Students kill and injure themselves during intra and inter cult
clashes on revenge missions’ valuables like cars and houses are burnt down electronics, provisions in shops among
others are looted.

According to Kolo (1994), the problem of cultism is a problem of social crises which has caused so much havoc
in the society. Political programs, economic situation should be changed to take care of the masses instead of
putting their life at risk. He said eccentricity should be avoided. He said policies that say non-indigene will lead
to an opposition. Certainly, students on ethnic basis instead of commendable grounds and general disparity in the
society, if eliminated, will help stamp out cultism and cult activities. In this case, students should be encouraged
to join approved religious groups in schools for moral up-bringing and spiritual security in God (Salau and
Nwaonusuru, 1994) are of the view that all fingers has to be put to check eradication of cultism and sundry have
parts to execute in the task of monitoring the societies, parents, school authorities, government, law enforcement
agents, educationist, counsellors, and the media each, have some contributions to make towards the resolution of
secret cult in our academic sector and the general society.

Cultism Activities (South-South Region; 2020-2022)

A report made by (Punch Newspaper, 4th Oct, 2022), contrary to earlier report Six persons were killed in a cult
clash in the Obudu Community of Cross River State in which the states police command has confirmed that only
two lives were lost in a rival cultists clashed. Some suffered machete cuts, and was reported that the cause of this
killing was as a result of a stolen motorcycle by a member of a rival cult group. It was alleged that cult activities
are rampant in the area by so doing putting the citizens at risk. The Public Relation Officer has confirmed the
37
Threat of Cultism to the Society: A Case Study of the South-South Region of Nigeria

incident and the lives lost in which the security agency are working hard to stabilize the situation and foster peace
in the communities. (Wodu, 2022)
Another was in the case of Bayelsa State in which over 15 suspected cultists were killed in Nembe Local
Government Area of Bayelsa State in a renewed cult clash. The research gathered that residents in the affected
areas have deserted their villages and communities while economic and social activities have been disrupted just
in the cause of cult cases in the above-mentioned local government (the citizens had reasons for running in hide
of their dear life’s). It was learnt that the three popular cult groups in the area, Skylo, Mafia and Black Scorpion,
have always engaged in bloody clashes which so many lives were lost in the process (Daily Post: May 13 th, 2021)
as residents lamented the action of the youths and called for the intervention of security operatives because it was
bloody. The boys (cultist) where prepared in such a way that those security agencies where afraid as they used
charms and have adopted a measure of going to operation in large numbers to attack the military post and police
station and these charms makes the security operatives to either fall asleep or make them not to see them as they
approach this is to show the society how this cult group are just prepared to destroy lives and properties in the
state (Edem, 2021).

In addition, the state security has put in place measures to control and coordinate peace in the residence and
advised that the chiefs and elders of those affected areas should help in giving information on time as to tackle
these bloody clashes from happening. Another Cult clash between two cult groups has allegedly left four persons
dead at Khana Local Government of Rivers State. And from an eyewitness the killing of one person has been
raging till Saturday night and that many people in area have been staying indoors to avoid being caught by strange
fire (Vanguard: 2021). In addition, I do not know the specific groups involved in the war, but I can tell you that
we have been experiencing regular gunshots and people running helter-skelter because of one group chasing
members of the other group. Another incident took place in a yam Festival of Eleme Local Government Area of
Rivers State in which two persons were killed in a cult clash that left many injured and properties worth millions
of naira destroyed and the government are really putting plans to curb out cultism activities in the environment.

Men of the River State Police Command on Friday Killed four suspected cultist alleged to be terrorizing Rundele
and Adjoining communities in the Enuoha Local Government Area of the State (Punch Newspaper 3 June, 2023).
The information gathered that what led to the attack was a case in which the Nigerian police arrested five cult
members and, in a revenge, to rescue them, four policemen were killed in the process. The assaulters allegedly
trailed the victim from his home to a lottery betting shop, where he was shot three times at a close range, while
others at the shop dashed to safety. The outbreak which occurred about 6:00p.m on Sunday on the 8miles, left
residents in the community in panic. Frustrated by the killing, the vigilance group took to the street in a stop-and-
search duty for the killers, but to no avail.

In a related development, the populaces of Yenagoa City, the capital of Bayelsa State, and environs have expressed
fear over the rising cases of cult-related killings and armed robbery in different parts of the city. Premium Times
reported that an unconfirmed number of persons have been killed between Monday and Saturday following a cult
clash between Eiye and Vikings cult groups. Two corpses were seen in the early hours of the day at Azikoro Street
junction, while another one was sighted at Pipeline junction in the Eyaen axis of Yenagoa. Apart from the
escalating cases of cult killings, there is an upsurge in robbery incidents across the state capital which has shut
down nightlife (Premium Times: 2021).

Effects of Cultism in Our Society

1. Early Death:
The consequences of involvement in cult activities are endless and inevitable. Apart from the reputation damage
one will suffer in a long run when he or she is easily associated with past participation in a secret society, there
are more grievous ramifications. Some of which include destruction of live, early death and loss of properties.
(Edeh, S. 2021)
38
RUJMASS (Vol. 9 No 2) Dec 2023

2. School Drop-out (Uncompleted Education):

Maximum numbers of cultists end up not finishing their educational program. In the present day, school
establishments in a bid to curb the rate of cultism and its activities, have embraced strict punishments for it which
include expulsion of students involved regardless of the academic level they are. In my own point of view, students
who are involved in cultism fail to make an average or excellent cumulative point in their examinations because
of their lack of seriousness towards their studies. In severe cases, they are asked to quit by the school or drop out
due to frustration. All these are because cultism is a vast disturbance to academics (Edeh, S. 2021)

3. Obsession of Drugs and hard substances:

Moreover, drug abuse / habit can result in negative outcomes which tend to influence our youths who are cult
members or take part in cult activities. These drugs and substances such as tramadol, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine,
codeine etc. can be sedative to human beings. The constant usage of them can expose the brain to incessant crave
for it which with time becomes an addiction. Many young people associated with cultism have been exposed to
these substances which they have become engrossed into. In cases of lack of funds these young youths can go as
far as stealing or pinching to get money in order to buy these things (Edeh, 2021).

Causes of Cultism in the South-South Region of Nigeria

The researcher reveals his views on what he observed and noticed to be the causes which lead to the spike of
cultism and other related crimes like kidnapping, armed robbery and killing in the South-south Region of Nigeria
which are analyzed below.

1. Cultists Being Used as Tools for Politicians: The use of cultists as tools in the hands of politicians has really
escalated which drives in encouraging cultism in our society. Politicians use the avenue to mobilize these young
boys directly or indirectly for their own personal interest and with good funding which aids in providing every
requirement needed for smooth running of their selfish activities.

Mr. Francis had his own view that most of these cult groups had an involvement with top government officials as
their backup or sponsors to achieve their dubious needs and motives. This act really takes place during campaigns
and elections in which these boys are used as a threat to the opponent in carrying out activities like causing fights
in polling units, destruction of electoral materials, killing and kidnapping of their political opponents, creating
fear within INEC electoral officers etc. which has been a threat to Cross River State Government. No fear of
being halted within these young boys because they have a backup of top government officials or a godfather who
has their back in-case of any cause of being arrested in which it works in their favor. (Edeh, 2021)

2. Affluence: This is another contributing aspect to the cause of cultism in our society and schools today. In this
case, youths then to join cultism just for recognition, pursuit for authority, money, position and defense. This is
because of the worth system of the society, the system values affluence without due deliberation to the means and
its negative implications but to gain respect and to be feared within and outside the school environment
(Chukwurah, 2022).

3. Peer Group Influence: This is a vital fact to our contemporary society which has driven and increased the rate
of cult activities among youths. Peer Group Influence is another major cause of cultism to young people. This is
an often occurrence in universities and secondary schools where students mingle more with each other. In the long
run, such individuals become dependent on habits like drug abuse, clubbing, stealing or gambling which make it
difficult for them to break away from the circle of friends and this leads to poor academic performance of such
individuals (Edeh, 2021).

39
Threat of Cultism to the Society: A Case Study of the South-South Region of Nigeria

Government Intervention to Curb Cult Activities in the South-South Region of Nigeria

Government should inaugurate a tribunal to try a cultist and if found guilty should be sentenced accordingly. This
will be detrimental to those who have joined or to those who have the intention of joining the secret cults and this
will help in reducing the high cost of education in Nigeria so that everyone can afford it. The Niger Delta region
of Nigeria has been described as one of the most polluted and underdeveloped areas in comparison to other deltas
of the world (Etekpe, 2009; Asuka, 2010). The region is also embroiled in various forms of violent conflicts.

Nevertheless, reprieve was achieved when the Federal Government of Nigeria launched in 2009 the Presidential
Amnesty Program (PAP) for ex-agitators in the region. The PAP is a comprehensive peace building program
anchored on disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) with the aim of arresting youth restiveness in
the region. Despite this effort, sustainable peace has remained elusive as the region remains one trapped in
violence (Ibaba, & Etekpe, 2013).

Behavioural Change of an Individual: From Culture of Violence to the Culture of Peace

What Is Culture?
Culture is the system of knowledge shared by a relatively large group of people. Culture is the characteristics and
knowledge of a particular group of people, encompassing language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts.
Thus, culture can be seen as the growth of a group identity fostered by social patterns unique to the group (Li and
Karakowsky, 2001).

"Culture is a pattern of learned conduct and results of behavior, whose module elements are shared and spread by
the members of a specific society and it’s evident that we cannot do away with it (Linton, 1945). Culture is a
learned pattern of life-style from generation to generation.

The Concept of Peace

Definition of Peace by (Bankikiza, 2004) submit that peace is both a gift by Divinity and an effort by people to
accomplish it, independently and generally which needs constant attempt in linking divided people, drawing
people closer, settlement, reconciliation and eliminating hidden anger in humans.

The Concept Peace by (Andersoon, 2004), is the harmonious interaction that cultivate mutually beneficial
relationship, intellectual competence and constant dialogue are two important theme addressed by the theory of
peace. As a concept, peace is also said to have features or characteristics that include non-violence which indicate
the total absence of any physical, emotional, psychological, verbal or societal harm to one-self and other members
of the society (Loyd 2012).

The UN Declaration on a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence contains more detail than needed and was politicized
in the process of its adoption. A culture of peace is an integral approach to preventing violence and violent
conflicts, and an alternative to the culture of war and violence based on education for peace, the promotion of
sustainable economic and social development, respect for human rights, equality between women and men,
democratic participation, tolerance, the free flow of information and disarmament. As explained by UNESCO
each of these areas of actions has been priorities of the United Nation Since is foundation; what is new is their
linkage through the culture of peace and non-violence into a single coherent concept. Gultung describe negative
peace as the absence of human violence and war, positive peace as the absence of structural violence (Gultung,
1964).

Using Mediation, Dialogue, Gospel and Negotiation Pattern to Bridge the Gap between Cultism and Peace
Building
40
RUJMASS (Vol. 9 No 2) Dec 2023

The process of peace building comes to reality when putting proper mechanisms in place; peace work is mediation,
negotiation, and dialogue with a means of moving parties in conflict toward a mutually acceptable outcome.
Dialogues in areas affected by conflict are ways of bridging division and bringing communities together to heal
divisions. Negotiation is a fundamental skill that is at the heart of most countries and instigating conflict resolution
training. The concept of providing education and training on mediation, negotiation, and dialogue for a range of
stakeholders including civil society organizations, heads of cult groups, youth and others key actors in conflict
settings will play a very vital role in reducing or eradicating cult activities in our society. At the core of the U.S
Institution of Peace work is mediation, negotiation, each a means of moving parties in conflict towards a mutually
acceptable outcome. Dialogues in areas affected by conflict are ways to bridging divides and bringing
communities together to heal divisions (Keith, M. 2023). Through the Community-Based Dialogues for
Reconciliation project in the south-south region, the affected community (Akwa - Ibom State) has built the
capacity of local leaders in conflict analysis, transitional justice, and dialogue facilitation to look closely and give
immediate reports of any cultist activities. The Cross River State Security is now mentoring these individuals and
suspected cultist who are from diverse conflict-affected areas in South-South region, a case study of the Recent
crisis in a community in Cross River State between the Yakuur and Obubra in which lives and properties where
lost but through the process of implementing community dialogues peace building will be instilled, this has led to
over 40 cultists renouncing Groups in Calabar Cross River State capital, the repentant youths are mostly student
of University of Calabar and Cross River University of Technology in South-South Nigeria (Channels News, Nov
2016).

According to Campbell (2002), the reformed tradition affirms that the preaching and hearing of the Word is one
of the “marks” that makes the church what it is and he summarizes that: “where the preaching of the Word is
absent, there is no church and violence is term to be high. Most of these cult related incidents take place in
communities and villages where youths do not take the Gospel seriously or even pay attention to the Word of
God, but if time and chance is created to spread the Gospel then violence will be eradicated in these affected
communities.

Conclusion/Recommendations
 In many parts of the world, cultism creates an atmosphere of negative peace because of its footprints in
the security market which facilitate arms proliferation. Youth cultism is one of the sources of violence
in most Nigerian cities, but the research work has tried to show us possible resolution in tackling cult
related activities.
 The violence which manifests in various forms including armed robbery, rape and the taking of hostages
is a direct result of prevalent poverty, unemployment, and the high illiteracy rate in the area. This is
surprising in a possibly wealthy, major oil-bearing community.
 The poor and low classes of individuals who form the majority of the cult group have a large number of
populations and are not only unemployed and illiterate but more importantly, the projections of
development are miserable, particularly for the youths. Hence, with shrinking commercial chances
leading to rising worry and social discontent, there is a high awareness among young men that
membership and participation in the activities of cult groups remain a viable means of improving their
social and economic conditions. The violence widespread to cultism therefore must be treated as a social
problem, with policies developed that address issues of structural inequality, unemployment, poverty,
and illiteracy in our society. Procedure should also focus on firming community controlled social
institutions particularly in the light of disintegrating traditional associations and traditional ethics.

References
Alexis, B. (2023): Nigeria: Tracing the rise of cult groups to an African Mafia. (The Africa Report)
Anietie, A. (2020): Cross River government declares 35 persons wanted over cult killings. (The Guardian)
41
Threat of Cultism to the Society: A Case Study of the South-South Region of Nigeria

Alina, B. and Stephanie, P. (2021): The Definition of Culture: Additional reporting by Live Science Contributors.
Anietie, A. (2020): Cross River government declares 35 persons wanted over cult killings. (The Guardian)
Bbc Pidgin. (Feb, 2021) Cross River Police confirm cultists shot and killed four policemen for Calabar.
Beth (1982): Definition of Cultism in Advanced Oxford Dictionary. . (2021) Cross River National Park,
WCS Nigeria. Retrieved 16 December.
"Cross River State. (2021): Nigeria". Maryland Sister States. List of Tribes in Cross River State Nigeria , All
Nigerian Info". Retrieved 8 August.
Chukwurah, G, Gladys, O, John-Nsa, Chioma, A & Isimah, M. (2022). Addressing the cause of Cultism in
Nigerian University: A case of the application of behavioural change communication strategies. ISSN: 2455-
3956, Volume 14, June, 2022.
Dom, V. (2021): Summary: History of Cultism in Nigeria. Https://Www.Amazon.Com.
Emmanuel, U. (2021). Cult clash at Bakassi claims four lives, January 17 (Vanguard Newspaper).
Frank, U (2021): Cult clash claims two lives during New Yam Festival in Yakurr Local Government of Cross
River State. (The Paradise Newspaper)
Ibaba and Etekpe (2013). Niger Delta and the Challenges to Conflict Resolution and Peace Building.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication.
Ojo Michael, E. (2021). Cult violence claims one in Edo State: Benin City. (The Guardian Newspaper).
Molagun (2003). Influence of Cultism on Students Academic Performance. Https://Azresearchconsult.Com
Mudiaga, A. (2020) .Cult Clashes: More bodies seen in Benin as residents express fear: On Sunday, it was learnt
that three more persons were killed by suspected cultists. (Premium Time Newspaper).
Nextier SPD (1995). Crime and Aggressive Behaviour in Nigerian Universities, Guidance and Counselling as a
Panacea. https://www.academia.edu.
Omebe & Omebe (2015) Causes and Panacea to Problem of Cultism In The Nigerian Education System. European
Journal of Education Studies.
Omebe, S. E. & Omobe, C. (2015). The crisis of education in Nigeria. International Journal of Humanities, Social
Sciences and Education (JJHSSE), 2:12, 1-8.
Tina, T. (2019): Seven killed in Cross River State cult, communal clashes. Calabar, OCT, 2019. (The Guardian)

Bennet Essien Ekpe is of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Abuja. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs Abuja).
bennetekpe5@gmail.com, 09032547244/09046226364

42