By Our Reporters
Security operatives and security conscious Nigerians will today heighten surveillance in areas considered hotspots for cult-related activities across the country.
The seventh day of the month of July is believed to be Cult Founders’ Day, a day set aside by some dreaded cult groups as their day of celebration.
For many, the day might pass for just any other ordinary day.
But for security operatives and security conscious Nigerians, it is a day for vigilance and conscious efforts to steer clear of areas that are notorious for cult-related activities as past experiences recorded heightened violent activities orchestrated by cult groups.
In the past, rival cult groups had set the day aside to slug it out in their long-drawn battle for supremacy.
In the usual tradition ahead of the day and the apprehension which often heralds the day, information and alerts of awareness about the 7/7 ‘celebrations’ have been trending for some days especially on social media, reminding and warning Nigerians on the need to be watchful and careful.
One of such messages spotted by Sunday Sun entitled; “Cult Alert on July 7th Activities of the Supreme Aiye Confraternity (SAC) known as ‘Black Axe,’’ reads: “The general public should take note that July 7th is the annual celebration day for the creation of Supreme Aiye Confraternity (SAC) also known as ‘Founder’s Day’.
“This day is notably marked by activities including initiations, elections, and change of leadership within the confraternity. This is a significant date for this group with reports of planned gatherings and potential violence.
“We urge all schools, from primary and secondary to tertiary institutions, to be vigilant. Educators and school administrators should be particularly observant of unusual gatherings or activities among students.
“Higher institutions of learning especially are advised to increase security measures and maintain strict supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.”
The message which reportedly emanated from the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, (POCACOV) Southwest, also urged parents, guardians and communities to be watchful during this period. “Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to be watchful of their children and wards during this period. Monitor their movements and be attentive to any signs of distress or involvement in suspicious activities. Open communication with your children is crucial; encourage them to speak openly about their daily experiences and any peer pressures they may face.
“Communities should also be aware of possible gatherings or unusual activities in their areas. Community leaders and local security outfits should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the closest police authority or any other security agency immediately. Collective vigilance and prompt reporting can help maintain peace and order within our communities. Your cooperation is highly appreciated in keeping our schools and communities safe. It should be noted that the colour of SAC members is predominantly black. The code for the celebration is 7:7, usually inscribed on face caps or T-shirts,” the message stated.
Findings by Sunday Sun revealed that most communities development associations especially in Lagos are not taking the message with a pinch of salt as many of them are already sensitizing their members on the need to be vigilant.
A community leader in Moshalasi area of Alagbado in Ifako Ijaiye Local Council Development Area of the state, who preferred anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the matter, confided in Sunday Sun’s reporter that communities in the areas were not taking intelligence about the 7/7 celebration with levity.
According to him, “our community is known to be one of the red spots in this local government (area) and we are not taking any chances. As parents, we have been speaking to ourselves about the need for every parent to counsel their children against social vices especially as it relates to cult and criminal activities. And as a community, we have always been in touch with the police and they have always been supportive. So, we are hopeful that there won’t be a problem of any kind,” the community leader stated.
Similarly, the Nigeria Police Force through POCACOV, its anti-cultism unit, had few weeks ago warned hotels, lounge and club operators not to allow congregations of suspected cultists in their premises.
Last year, three people were reportedly killed on July 6, at Shomolu-Bariga area of Lagos State when two rival cult groups were said to have engaged each other in a battle of supremacy.
Similarly, on July 7, 2021, no fewer than six people were reportedly killed in Delta State, while a particular cult group was said to be marking the year’s Founders’ Day. The killing which was deemed a reprisal was said to have taken place in Asaba, the state capital.
The July 6, 2023 killing in Lagos and July 7, 2021 bloody violence in Delta State that claimed six lives were preceded by the gruesome murder of no fewer than 11 people at Igode and Fakale communities in Sagamu, Ogun State on July 7, 2016 as rival cult groups slugged it out in both communities. Four people were reported to have equally sustained varying degrees of injuries while several houses and cars were vandalized in the attack which lasted for over 10 hours.