A war against incessant threats to security of lives and property in Akwa Ibom State has been waged as the state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, signs a prohibition order on the activities of secret cult groups and other unlawful societies in the state.
Performing the brief ceremony, Monday at Government House, Uyo, the said that the order, which may be cited as “The Cultism and Other Violent Behaviour Prohibition Order 2018”, takes effect from March 12, 2018.
He stated that the action was carried out in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 70 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 38, volume 2 laws of Akwa Ibom State 2000, adding that the prohibition order was to re-energize the already existing law banning the operations of secret cults in the state.
He noted that recent reports on security issues in Etim Ekpo, Ukanafun and Ikot Ekpene Local Government Areas, warranted the state government’s action in that direction, stressing, “this order i am signing is into effect and it is binding on all the 31 Local Government Areas, so it is actually the law of Akwa Ibom State and not the law for any or few Local Government Areas”.
The State Chief Executive implored other regions of the state who are maintaining peaceful atmosphere, to continue exhibiting decorum in their conduct and activities, reteirating that the state government is committed to the maintenance of peace and security.
The State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Uwemedimo Nwoko, said that the menace of cultism was becoming a major cause of concern to the state government, indicating that the disturbances necessitated the ban on the recognition and operations of cult groups and other illegal societies in the state.
Barr. Nwoko further remarked that the provisions of the Criminal Code Laws of Nigeria binding on Akwa Ibom State, demands that “the governor of a state must identify each society or cult groups that are being prohibited and by an order, ban them”, explaining that until now, there was no direct prohibition order signed by any Governor in the state, declaring the activities of cult groups as unlawful.
He acknowledged that so far, about 19 cult groups have been identified as operating in primary and secondary schools with another 14 carrying out secret activities across the state, urging members of the public to provide useful information to security agencies, about the operations and activities of the prohibited groups for necessary action.
The Justice Commissioner disclosed that having reviewed the penalty for contravening the secret cult law of the state, it was realized that the 7 years jail term was not adequate to serve as deterrent, adding that the Executive Council would soon propose to the Legislature for more stringent punishment for defaulters.
The proscribed groups identified in Primary and Secondary Schools were listed as: the Luttox, the Red Skins, St. Stephens, Dewell, Sept 11 Group, Secret Sons of Satan, King Cobra, J.V (Junior Vikings), Bats, Predators, Black Ladies, Black Cross, Scavengers, Skylolo, Sons of Nights, Blood Brotherhood, Junior Buccaneers, White Angels and Muskets.
Others are: Vikings, Black Axe, KKK, Buccaneers, Mafias, Luttox (Junior Black Axe), Debam, Dewell, Icelanders, Red Skins, Pirates, Amorc, Akwa Marines and Utoto Group’s (419).
