The Lagos State House of Assembly has summoned the state Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood, as well as three other commissioners, in response to an increase in cult confrontations and gang violence in Mushin and other parts of the state.
The resolution was passed during plenary on Monday, after Olayinka Kazeem, representing Mushin Constituency II, moved a motion of urgent public importance to address the growing cult-related unrest in the area.
Kazeem called the situation as “heartbreaking to both the people and the families of these children,” citing the loss of lives and the resulting fear and turmoil in communities.
He stated, “There has been a concerning increase in cult-related violence and youth unrest 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 measures to avert future plunge into violence.
In response to the motion, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa directed that the Commissioner of Police, as well as the Commissioners for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bolaji Robert, Ope George, and Tolani Ali-Balogun, appear before the House.
Read Also:Â FG condemns killings in Benue, Northeast
“Local governments must accept responsibility for these miscreants, many of whom are already living beneath bridges.
“We must also intensify efforts to engage the youths meaningfully,” Obasa told the crowd.
He emphasized that combating 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 Mushin streets and were operating without fear.
In his contribution, Bonu Solomon (Badagry I) advocated for stiffer sentences for individuals convicted of cult-related crimes, stressing that taking the issue lightly would simply empower the perpetrators.
“We must increase the legal reaction. “Cultism should face harsher penalties,” Solomon argued.
Femi Saheed (Kosofe II) blamed the rise in violence on sachet alcohol usage, which he claimed impaired judgment and increases hostility among young people. He called for community stakeholder gatherings to address the underlying roots of the crisis.
“Until we tackle the triggers, especially drug and alcohol abuse, we’ll keep fighting a cycle,” according to him.
Rasheed Shabi (Lagos Mainland II) noted that MPs are frequently pressured by people to intervene and secure bail for detained cult members.
“We must stop hiding them. “Let them bear the full consequences of their actions,” Shabi remarked.
