An economist, retired public servant, and community leader from Ketabebe Town, Ugep Urban in Yakurr LGA of Cross River, Chief Julius Inah, has indicted security agencies and government officials for shielding notable criminals, drug chiefs, and cultists who murder and wreak havoc in communities.
In recent times, there has been rising cult violence in Ugep town and other communities in the state, resulting in increasing murders, fear, and intimidation.
Chief Inah, a former council chairmanship aspirant, made the observation in a reaction to an op-ed by another senior citizen, Ubi Lekam Nkanu, titled My Voice on the Current Discussions on Cultism and Drug Peddling in Umor Otutu, Ugep (Part 3).
“We need more drastic measures to solve this problem. The current structures in place cannot address these issues because those expected to solve them are themselves involved with the perpetrators.
“There have been several deaths linked to cultism and certain individuals in Ugep, yet nothing has happened. Recently, an Assiga man was murdered in broad daylight in Ugep — a taboo in our culture. Yet the cultist involved is still in Ugep, hiding in places known to both the people and the security forces, and has not been apprehended.”
Fingering politicians as those behind heightened cultism in the state, Chief Inah cautioned them not to depend on violence to achieve their aim but on their popularity.
“Any politician worth his salt should not depend on cultists to win elections. If he or she does, it means they lack confidence and popularity. I was actively involved in politics from 1998 to 2010, when I contested for the chairmanship of Yakurr. I never depended on cultists for my political endeavours.
“Only weak politicians cultivate cultists to carry guns, machetes, and other weapons to intimidate people. As far as I’m concerned, they can never win my respect or confidence.”
He called on the national security agencies and the people to rise and speak against the activities of cultists for a safer and peaceful society.
But Chairman of Yakurr LGA, Yibala Igiri Inyang, has disagreed with Chief Inah that security agencies shield criminals.
He said, as a former DSS personnel, security forces do not condone criminality.
“As the chief security officer of this Council, I can confirm that security agencies are present and investigating the recent violence in the Council and will soon come out with their reports for action.”
Security agencies shield cultists in Cross River – Community leader alleges