“The new law against cultism prescribes punitive measures for parents of young people convicted of cultism.
“Between 2017 and now, we have lost over 50 persons in Boki due to cult and communal clashes; this is worrisome.”
The bill, while at the State Assembly, sparked a legal debate on the rationale behind punishing parents for their children’s crimes.
The arrest was made following an intelligence report that some cultists planned to breach public peace, after conducting an initiation rite for new members in the Ita-Oshin area of Abeokuta.
“We have a common enemy. That enemy is not the Hausa Fulani who is looking for pasture for his flock,” Mr. Makinde said.
Mr. Adejobi said the suspected cultists were caught with weapons, charms, and marijuana.
The police said one of the casualties was a notorious gang leader.
The governor declared war on cultism and banditry in the state.
