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Cultism has been a bane among the Nigerian youths since time memorial. Although cultism is practiced in other parts of the world, the Nigerian cultism experience is something worth having a critical look on.

The evils of cultism has been felt in every nook and crannies of the country. And despite the obvious lack of gains in the practices, many youths still troop in to join cultism.

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There have been many condemnation of the practice of cultism, and even outrage renunciation of membership, but yet, cultism is still rooted in the lives of the average Nigerian youths. One out of 10 persons belongs to a cult group or have association with cultism. But what could be the problem of this menace? And why hasn't it been eradicated in the Nigerian life? Politics!

Yes politics! Politics have been a major force that drives cultism to a while new lifestyle among the youth such that it is gradually becoming a common trend.

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Before now, a cultist is difficult to identify, many of them put on decent characters and behave like they detest the practice, but they are the backbone of the underworld! They perpetrate crimes from their decent look, they kill without remorse, they cause hardship to families without having a feeling of guilt. This has been a major bane in the country.

By geopolitical zones, the Northern parts of Nigeria do not or barely engage in cult practices, many of the youth engage in business and farming, and a considerable number of them have migrated to the more develop Southern part of the country.

The West, East, and South do have records of cult killings, cult rapes, destruction of properties as well as influencing elections whether federal, state or local government.

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Among their worst practices in killings is beheading of rival cult members, displaying the beheaded head in public and even roasting their fellow human alive. Because of these harmful killings, many of the youth have been robbed of their freedom. Some would even resort to diabolical means as their source of protection against any potential attack in the future. What a life?!

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But what could be the root causes of cultism other than politics. Let's have a look at it from different perspectives.

Firstly, let us address the upbringing of the child and the nature of the home he/she came from. Of a truth, a home not well planned will definitely bring out a bad fruit. A home not well managed will definitely rot away in the future. Do parents contribute to the bane of cultism as regards their children getting involved? Yes! If they fail to understand how their children move, if the fail to know the kind of friends their children go out with, if they fail to know things about their child as regards whether he has links with cultism or not, then hell has been let loosed. The child may follow the wrong path and join in the chain of cultism, a growing menace that needs global attention. As a parent, you are a watchman.

Secondly, let's take a look at the society, does it promotes cultism? There are many ways to address this. Some communities would recommend someone becoming a member of an occult group before such one can attain either a traditional or political position or even have influence in the community. In some cases, one would be made to pledge allegiance to the group and perform some rituals and sacrifices all in the name of absolute protection. This, I strongly detest!

Lastly, I would love to address the economic condition of the country. No hungry man would have smile on his face. The population is growing, and the economy is getting worse. Unemployment rate is hitting higher levels and the prices of goods have been bathed with inflation. In this case, some youth would resort to cultism as their only way to survive. They'd carry out bad practices to either fend for themselves or get recognised in the community for their dreaded lifestyle, a life many cultist crave for. When you shriek at the sound of my name, then I will breathe in joy. What a world!

What could be the solution itself? How do we curb this menace and reduce any possible catastrophic effect in the future? A number of suggestions have been raised, yet the trends still looms in disparity.

If the economy can attain new shape and reduce the number of unemployed youth, a striking balance can be reached at some point.

If the society shuns cultism and reject the practice, many youths will definitely never dream of getting themselves involved.

If the parents can keep close watch on their child/ward, the problem of wrong or poor upbringing will be reduced.

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From here I drop my pen.

Always be good to people and be the best you can be.

SHUN CULTISM

Suggestions and contributions are highly welcomed.