Lagos House of Assembly Summons Commissioner of Police Over Mushin Cult Clashes

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

The summon was issued on Monday during a plenary session, following a motion raised by Hon. Olayinka Kazeem, representing Mushin Constituency II, under Matters of Urgent Public Importance. Kazeem expressed concern over the loss of innocent lives due to the cult clashes and urged the Assembly to mandate security agencies to intensify efforts to combat cultism and enforce stringent drug control.

“I urge the Assembly to mandate security agencies to intensify the crackdown on cultism and enforce strict drug control.

“This issue is heartbreaking to both the people and the families of these children,” Kazeem said.

The motion was supported by several lawmakers, including Hon. Nureeni Akinsanya of Mushin Constituency I, who revealed that gangs armed with dangerous weapons have taken over several streets in the area. Hon. Rasheed Shabi (Lagos mainland 2) suggested that lawmakers should no longer bail out arrested cultists, but rather allow them to face the full consequences of their actions.

Other lawmakers, including Hon. Bonu Solomon (Badagry I) and Hon. Femi Saheed (Kosofe 2), called for stiffer penalties for offenders and 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 emphasized 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, including 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, would be summoned to appear before the House for further deliberation.

The Assembly’s decision to summon the officials is seen as a move to address the growing concern over cultism and violence in the state. The lawmakers are expected to take a concrete position on the matter after the officials appear before the House.

The Lagos State House of Assembly’s decision to summon the officials is seen as a step in the right direction, as it shows the lawmakers’ commitment to addressing the issue of cultism and violence in the state.

However, it remains to be seen whether the move will yield the desired results and bring an end to the violence.