By peterside Rejoice Eneky
The Lagos State House of Assembly has summoned the State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood, following a series of renewed cult-related clashes and escalating violence in the Mushin area and other parts of the state.
Also summoned to appear before the House are the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bolaji Robert; Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Ope George; and Commissioner for Education, Toani Ali-Balogun.
The summons followed a motion raised during Monday’s plenary by Hon. Olayinka Kazeem (Mushin Constituency II), under Matters of Urgent Public Importance. Kazeem expressed deep concern over the rising wave of cultism, drug abuse, and gang violence plaguing his constituency, which has led to the loss of innocent lives.
“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.
The motion received widespread support from other lawmakers. Hon. Nureeni Akinsanya (Mushin I) decried the activities of gangs armed with dangerous weapons who have reportedly taken control of several streets, including Abiodun and Olusoga.
Hon. Rasheed Shabi (Lagos Mainland II) lamented that lawmakers often face pressure to secure the release of arrested cultists, but said it was time such individuals faced the full weight of the law.
Also weighing in, Hon. Bonu Solomon (Badagry I) called for harsher penalties for cultism, warning against misplaced sympathy for offenders, while Hon. Femi Saheed (Kosofe II) identified the abuse of sachet alcohol as a driver of youth violence.
In his contribution, Hon. Saka Solaja Olumo (Ikorodu II) recommended community-based interventions, including direct stakeholder engagement with troubled youths.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, emphasized the need for non-violent solutions such as youth empowerment through sports and tasked local governments with the responsibility of managing miscreants, especially those living under bridges.
He concluded by stating that the Assembly will take a definitive stance after hearing from the summoned officials, as it seeks long-term solutions to the growing insecurity.
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