The Lagos State House of Assembly has summoned the State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood, along with three other key officials, following renewed cult clashes and violence in the Mushin area and other parts of the state.

These clashes have resulted in the loss of innocent lives.

Also summoned are the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bolaji Robert; the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Ope George; and the Commissioner for Education, Toani Ali-Balogun.

The motion was raised during Monday’s plenary by Hon. Olayinka Kazeem, representing Mushin Constituency II, under Matters of Urgent Public Importance.

Kazeem urged the Assembly to mandate security agencies to intensify efforts to combat cultism and enforce stringent drug control.

He said, “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.”

He also called for urgent reorientation and intervention programmes to steer young people away from violence.

Hon. Nureeni Akinsanya of Mushin Constituency I supported the motion, stating that gangs armed with dangerous weapons have taken over several streets in the area, including Abiodun and Olusoga streets.

Hon. Rasheed Shabi (Lagos mainland 2) revealed that lawmakers are often pressured to bail out arrested cultists, but suggested that such individuals should now be allowed to face the full consequences of their actions.

Hon. Bonu Solomon (Badagry I) called for stiffer penalties for offenders, warning against excessive sympathy for those involved in cultism.

Meanwhile, Hon. Femi Saheed (Kosofe 2) identified the abuse of sachet alcohol as a key contributor to youth violence.

Hon. Saka Solaja Olumo (Ikorodu 2) advocated for stakeholders’ meetings with troubled youths as part of a broader intervention strategy.

Speaker Mudashiru Obasa emphasised the need for alternative solutions such as youth engagement through sports, and urged local governments to take responsibility for miscreants living under the bridges.

Obasa concluded by affirming that the Commissioner of Police and the other concerned commissioners would be summoned to appear before the House for further deliberation, after which the Assembly will take a concrete position. (The Nation)

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