From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Worried over the nefarious activities of Cultists in Kabawa Community within Lokoja metropolis, stakeholders, youths and Islamic clerics on Tuesday, embarked on a peaceful protest against cultism.
Condemning in its strong terms the incessant cult activities in the community, the protesters said that their action is aimed at drawing attention to the negative effects of Cultism.
The protesters were carrying placards with inscriptions such as: “We stand against cultism and its activities”, “Say no to youth killing”, “Cultism is 100% bad”, “Say No to Cultism”, “Cultism is a scam”, “Cultism kills faster than cancer,” “Cultism pays N0.00k”, “Cultism is not ruggedity,” among others.
The protest was monitored by the District Head of Kabawa, Alh. Abdulkadir Yahaya, Tafida of Budon, Alh. Abdulrahman and Chief Imam of Isa Kutepa Central Mosque, Lokoja, Imam Yahya Abubilat who led more than one hundred youths including traditional titleholders and political appointees in the solidarity, young men and Muslim clerics joined them at different intersections, in the walk of disclaiming Cultism.
Speaking with journalists during the protest, the Hakimi of Kabawa said that the peaceful solidarity protest against Cultism was borne out of the fact that many young men and women have lost their lives and properties to Cultist activities.
The ‘Mai-Anguwa’ said that a recent reference was the death of a young boy who was allegedly hacked down by Cultists a week ago; in the process of initiation into a cult group.
He said: “We are saying NO to cultism and cult related activities, because it is an evil that blows no one any good. The protest today is our sacrificial gift to Kabawa residents. We have nothing else to offer than to make the lives of our youths be reasonable”