Due to an increase in gang violence and cult conflicts in Mushin and other areas of the state, the Lagos State House of Assembly has called Jimoh Moshood, the state commissioner of police, along with three other commissioners.
Following a motion of urgent public significance made by Olayinka Kazeem, who represents Mushin Constituency II, who bemoaned the growing cult-related instability in the region, the resolution was approved during plenary on Monday.
Kazeem called the situation “heartbreaking to both the people and the families of these children,” pointing out that entire villages had been plunged into confusion and fear and that lives had been lost.
“In my constituency, there has been an alarming increase in youth unrest and violence related to cults,” he stated.
“I implore this Assembly to require security agencies to enforce stringent drug control and step up their crackdown on cultism.”
In order to stop additional declines into violence, he also urged immediate youth reorientation and intervention programs.
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa responded to the motion by ordering the Commissioner of Police, Bolaji Robert, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ope George, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, and Tolani Ali-Balogun, the Commissioner for Education, to appear before the House.
“These criminals, many of whom are currently residing under bridges, must be dealt with by the local governments.
“Efforts to meaningfully engage the youths must also be intensified,” Obasa stated.
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He emphasized that social engagement tactics and security action will be necessary to combat youth cultism.
Nureni Akinsanya, the MP for Mushin I, backed the motion, claiming that violent gangs acting fearlessly had taken over multiple streets in Mushin.
In his contribution, Bonu Solomon (Badagry I) demanded that those convicted of cult-related offenses face tougher punishments, cautioning that ignoring the problem would simply give the offenders more confidence.
“The legal response must be strengthened. Solomon stated that there ought to be harsher penalties for cultism.
The overuse of sachet wine, according to Femi Saheed (Kosofe II), is linked to the rise in violence since it affects judgment and encourages hostility in young people. To address the underlying roots of the issue, he advocated for stakeholder meetings held in the neighborhood.
“We will continue to fight a cycle until we address the triggers, particularly drug and alcohol abuse,” he said.
Lawmakers are frequently under pressure from people to step in and obtain bail for detained cult members, Rasheed Shabi (Lagos Mainland II) added.
“We have to stop protecting them. Allow them to suffer the full repercussions of their deeds,” Shabi said.
