By Mumini AbdulKareem
The Ilorin Emirate Descendants’ Progressive Union (IEDPU), yesterday in Ilorin, lamented the high rate of cultist killings in Kwara State.
IEDPU, an umbrella body of all socio–cultural organisations in Ilorin emirate, lamented that over 30 persons have so far been killed in the last six months in various brutal attacks carried out by rival cult groups in various parts of the state.
The union however asked members of various communities in the emirate to expose members of suspected secret cults in their areas in order to reduce the wanton killings and for peace to reign in the state.
IEDPU, further stated that communities should name those involved in sales of liquor in prohibited areas and also Indian hemp and other prohibited substances smokers.
Addressing security stakeholders meeting at the union’s national secretariat, Geri-Alimi in Ilorin, its National President, Alhaji AbdulHamid Adi, expressed sadness that Ilorin emirate which was hitherto known for peace and harmony has been turned into theatre of war and reckless killings among various cult groups.
‘‘Level of criminality is getting worrisome within the metropolis. In the last six months, more than 30 lives have been wasted by cultists.
‘‘Notorious areas include Agbo-Oba, Gada, Edun, Gambari, and Ajikobi. The latest ones about two weeks ago were at Okesuna, Stadium road among others, he added.
Adi said the union conveyed the meeting to rob minds with stakeholders on how to nip the alarming trend in the bud.
Towards addressing the menace, the Chairman, IEDPU Security Committee, Ambassador Usman Abduazeez said unless members of every community volunteer to purge their areas of crimes, the anti-cult war and other prevailing security challenges might be difficult to win.
He urged every community to come up with the lists of suspected cult members and criminal in their area for security agencies to act upon.
Abdulazeez however warned the public against taking laws into their hands stressing that they must at all times act within the confines of the law.
The meeting was attended by Head of Divisional Police Officers, representatives of Department of State Security Services (DSS), vigilantes and Metro security initiatives set-up by the IEDPU in various communities.
