The Lagos State House of Assembly has summoned the state Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood, as well as three other commissioners, in response to the recent surge in cult confrontations and gang violence in Mushin and other parts of the state.
The resolution was carried during plenary on Monday after Olayinka Kazeem, representing Mushin Constituency II, presented a motion of urgent public urgency, citing the growing cult-related disturbance in the area.
Kazeem described the situation as “heartbreaking to both the people and the families of these children,” highlighting the loss of lives and the resulting terror and turmoil in the neighborhoods.
He stated, “There has been an alarming increase in cult-related violence and youth discontent in my constituency.
“I urge this Assembly to mandate security agencies to intensify crackdown on cultism and enforce strict drug control.”
He also advocated for immediate youth reorientation and intervention programs to avert future plunge into violence.
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In response to the motion, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa directed that the Commissioner of Police, Bolaji Robert, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ope George, and Commissioner for Education, Tolani Ali-Balogun, appear before the House.
“The local governments must accept responsibility for these criminals, many of whom are now living beneath bridges.
“We must also intensify efforts to engage the youths meaningfully,” Obasa told the audience.
He emphasized that addressing juvenile cultism will necessitate both security interventions and social engagement initiatives.
Nureni Akinsanya, the MP representing Mushin I, supported the motion, noting that violent gangs had taken over multiple streets in Mushin and were operating without fear.
In his contribution, Bonu Solomon (Badagry I) advocated for stiffer sanctions for those involved in cult-related offenses, stressing that taking the issue lightly would simply empower the offenders.
“We need to enhance our legal reaction. “Cultism should face harsher consequences,” Solomon stated.
Femi Saheed (Kosofe II) attributed the increased violence on the overuse of sachet wine, which he claims impairs judgment and encourages hostility among adolescents. He called for community-based stakeholder meetings to address the underlying roots of the issue.
“Until we tackle the triggers, especially drug and alcohol abuse, we’ll keep fighting a cycle,” he told me.
Rasheed Shabi (Lagos Mainland II) noted that MPs are frequently under pressure from people to intercede and gain bail for jailed cult members.
“We need to stop sheltering them. “Let them face the full consequences of their actions,” Shabi said.
