The twin menace of cultism and kidnapping in Ankpa local government area of Kogi State and its environs, such as Anyigba and Imani has been generating concern. Believed to perpetrated by youths in the area, the trend is taking a toll on the socio-economic life and well-being of residents of the ancient town.
Cultism might not be a totally new phenomenon in that axis, given the existence of tertiary institutions in the area, but fears heightened when kidnapping became part of the dangerous mix. Most of the kidnapping cases recorded in the state in the past were mainly from the Okene axis, believed to be the kidnappers’ main haunt.
A resident of Ojede told Daily Trust that cultists have bases in three major locations in Ankpa, which are Ojede, along Otukpo Road axis and Angwa area. He said most of the cult clashes are usually perpetrated in those areas, pointing out that the cultists usually have clashes with rival cult groups but seldom attack innocent citizens. “They (cultists) don’t just harass people in the street. They normally go after their targets in other rival groups”, he said.
But he cried out to security authorities to stamp the menace out as they constitute a nuisance.
Another resident said his friend, Abdullahi Shado, who owns ‘Abshado Filling Station’ in Ankpa was recently trailed and gunned down by a group of unidentified, armed youths. According to him, his friend who had been struggling all his life before establishing the filling station could not enjoy the fruits of his labour.
A commercial motorcyclist told Daily Trust that recently, a clash between two rival cult groups in Ankpa had led to the death a member, gruesomely murdered and dumped by a river. Residents say most times, those involved are said to be children and wards of politicians and well-to-do personalities.
Speaking on the development, the monarch of Ankpa (Onu Ankpa), His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abdulmalik Umar (Odoga) said the menace is of grave concern. “In recent times, we do hear about the activities these hoodlums. It is not peculiar to Ankpa. It happens in so many other places. Stakeholders of the community are not silent about it,” he said.
The monarch, who identified unemployment as one of the reasons for the ugly trend, urged government to create entrepreneurial opportunities for youths in the area to enable them be self-reliant just as he called on youth to shun all forms of antisocial behaviour.
Senior Special Assistant to Governor Wada on Ankpa Local Government Area, Alhaji Ibrahim Abagwu, noted that cult activities were on the increase before he assumed office in May but that concerted efforts had reduced the rate.
Commander of the vigilante group in Ankpa, Joseph Isah Iyoma, said his team in collaboration with the police have been confronting the menace of cultism and kidnapping in the area, adding that they have been able to arrest close to 25 suspects, which were handed over to the police.
Efforts to speak with the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ankpa over the situation proved abortive as he was said to have been transferred out of the area and a new one was yet to fully resume.
