CSO backs youth initiatives against cultism in Benue.

By Ijeoma Obioma.
The Edumoga Youth Movement (EYM) and Edumoga Youth Association (EYA) say they are fighting cultism in the Edumoga District of the Okpokwu Local Government Area in Benue State with the support of the Ede-ma Development Association (EDE-MA), a Civil Society Organization (CSO).
Our correspondent reports that the youth organisations recently held a large land cleaning event that featured the rejection of cultism through swearing an oath in response to a wave of violence inflicted by competing cults in the area that took lives.
Michael Agbam, the National President of EDE-MA, and Matthew Oboyi, the National Secretary, released a statement in which they expressed support for EYM’s purpose and urged them to carry out their proposal in accordance.
“Ede-ma, as a forward-thinking civil society organisation, recognises that cultism and all forms of criminality and violence endanger the security, peace, and prosperity of our communities.
“We had refrained from publicly commenting on the recent unfortunate cult violence that paralysed Ugbokolo town and neighboring communities in Edumoga District. At least 10 youths lost their lives, and economic activities in key areas were disrupted,” the statement read.
The organisation commended the resolve of both EYA and EYM for their intervention, which brought an end to the daily cult-related killings and applauded their strategic approach of enlisting the support of youth, community members, and traditional leaders in Amejo, Okonobo, and Ugbokolo wards to take an oath against cult membership.
While acknowledging that oath-taking might not be foolproof, EDE-MA highlighted its traditional efficacy in reducing cultism and criminality in Edumoga.
The organisation urged residents, particularly traditional leaders in Edumoga District, to back and oversee the process with decorum and civility, in line with cultural traditions.
Meanwhile, EDE-MA expressed concerns about the arrest of Agboji John Audu, a youth they regarded as a person of good character. They called on the Benue State Police Command to release him, citing frivolous and unsubstantiated allegations in the Police First Information Report (FIR).
Also the organisation appealed to the Benue State Government, led by Governor Hyacinth Alia, to establish a probe panel to investigate and address the growing problem of cultism in communities across the state.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.