Rising cult clashes: Lagos Assembly invites police chief, LG commissioner, 3 other officials

Following the rising spate of cult clash and violence in Lagos State, members of the House of Assembly have invited the State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood, and three other key officials of the state.

Also summoned were the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bolaji Robert; Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Ope George; Commissioner of Youths, Mobolaji Ogunlende and the Commissioner for Education, Tolani Ali-Balogun.

It would be recalled that recently there were reports of cult clashes in mushin area of Lagos, which led to the loss of innocent lives.

The House resolved to invite the state officials after debating the motion raised by Hon. Olayinka Kazeem,  (Mushin II), under Matters of Urgent Public Importance during plenary session on Monday.

According to Kazeem, there has been a disturbing surge in cult-related violence and youth unrest in his constituency, with some underage youths now involved in cult clashes, endangering lives and property.

“This issue is heartbreaking to both the people and the families of these children. I urge the Assembly to mandate security agencies to intensify the crackdown on cultism and enforce strict drug control,” Kazeem said.

He also called for urgent reorientation and intervention programmes to steer young people away from violence.

Hon. Nureeni Akinsanya (Mushin I) supported the motion, stating that gangs armed with dangerous weapons have taken over several streets in the area, including Abiodun and Olusoga streets.

Hon. Bonu Solomon (Badagry I) called for stiffer penalties for offenders, warning against excessive sympathy for those involved in cultism.

Meanwhile, Hon. Femi Saheed (Kosofe 2) identified the abuse of sachet alcohol as a key contributor to youth violence, while Hon. Lukman Olumoh (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1) advocated for stakeholders’ meetings with troubled youths as part of a broader intervention strategy.

However, Speaker of the House, Rt. (Hon) Mudashiru Obasa, agreed that the issue was widespread across Lagos. While acknowledging the strain on prison facilities, he emphasized the need for alternative solutions such as youth engagement through sports — a programme the House had previously budgeted for.

“The local governments must take responsibility for these miscreants, many of whom are now living under bridges. We must also intensify efforts to engage the youths meaningfully,” Obasa said.

Obasa concluded by affirming that the Commissioner of Police and the other concerned commissioners would be summoned to appear before the House for further deliberation, after which the Assembly would take a concrete position.