The peace of communities in Ogun and Lagos States has once again been shattered by the grim reality of cult clashes, leading to the tragic loss of at least four lives this past Monday night. These incidents, occurring in the Atan-Ota area of Ogun State and the Ojo area of Lagos State, underscore a deeply entrenched and violent cycle that continues to plague our society.
According to reports, the catalyst for the latest wave of bloodletting in Atan-Ota was a suspected reprisal attack. On Monday night, around 8 p.m., residents of the Kajola area witnessed a terrifying spectacle as suspected members of the Aiye confraternity (also known as NBM) stormed the area. Their target: members of the rival Eiye confraternity (ACN). This attack, sources indicate, was a brutal response to the earlier killing of an Aiye member by the Eiye group approximately two weeks prior.
The assailants, reportedly shooting sporadically, caused widespread panic before ultimately killing three individuals believed to be Eiye members. Among the deceased, one has been identified by the advocacy page NaijaConfra as an Eiye member nicknamed “Coded.” The sheer brazenness of the attack, occurring openly in residential areas, speaks volumes about the deteriorating security situation and the fear gripping these communities. This particular conflict, according to NaijaConfra, is part of a long-standing war, with both sides vowing further deadly retaliation.
Equally disturbing was an earlier incident on Monday in the Ojo area of Lagos State, which claimed the life of a community security guard identified as Ijaya, also known as CSO. Ijaya, a well-known and respected member of the NBM (Aiye) confraternity, was reportedly waylaid and killed by members of the Eiye cult group right in front of his home on ECOWAS Street. What makes this particular killing even more poignant is the description of Ijaya as a peaceful, loving, and accommodating individual in his neighborhood. His death has not only sparked fear but has also ignited immense tension, with immediate reports of potential retaliation by the Aiye group.
This isn’t an isolated occurrence; it’s a terrifying pattern. Cult-related killings, often fueled by brutal supremacy battles between rival confraternities, have remained a persistent security challenge across parts of Lagos and Ogun states. Just recently, in August 2024, six lives were lost during renewed clashes between Aiye and Eiye in Ifo, Ogun State. Similarly, April 2024 saw three more fatalities in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
Despite the persistent efforts and clampdowns by the police, the recurring violence highlights the deep-rooted nature of this menace. The ease with which these groups operate, their willingness to engage in public shootouts, and the seemingly endless cycle of reprisal attacks speak to a societal problem that goes beyond mere law enforcement.
The lack of immediate response or acknowledgment from the police public relations officers in both Ogun and Lagos States, as highlighted in the PUNCH Metro report, further compounds public anxiety. While investigations are undoubtedly underway, clear and prompt communication from authorities is crucial in reassuring worried citizens.
The time for a more holistic approach is long overdue. Beyond arrests and clampdowns, there’s an urgent need to address the underlying socio-economic factors that make youth vulnerable to cultism – unemployment, lack of opportunities, and a sense of disillusionment. Community leaders, religious institutions, parents, educators, and various government agencies must collaborate more effectively to steer young people away from these deadly paths.
Our communities cannot continue to live under the shadow of fear, where lives are snuffed out in senseless battles. It is a collective responsibility to break this vicious cycle and ensure that peace, not violence, defines the future of our towns and cities.
