ISSN: 0973-5089 | [email protected]

Secret Cult Menace in Nigeria within the Context of Social Structure and Political Economy: A Critical Analysis

Nnam, M Uchenna

Ebonyi State University, Nigeria

Abstract:

The evil effects of secret cults have permeated the entire structure of the Nigerian society. This article, therefore, is designed to critically analyse secret cult menace in Nigeria by linking the core of the problem to our religious beliefs and oppressive colonial and post-colonial social structure/political economy. This article presents that some cult members and their apologists have advanced sophistries to convince the government and the public that their association is not a secret cult; hence we hear such sobriquets as fraternity, confraternity, system, 'runs', game, etc. The article established that cultism has both negative and positive consequences, but the former weighs heavier than the latter when objectively compared and contrasted. The article recommends that the government, alongside relevant authorities and civil society groups, should organise correction-oriented sessions for students in various institutions of learning in Nigeria with a view to exposing the dangers of secret cult membership as a potent way of dissuading potential members from joining the confraternities that exist within and outside the school system. The article also recommends the establishment of a proactive Anti-Cult outfit comprising credible students and untainted school security personnel that will liaise with the host community vigilance groups and conventional Police Force to forestall cult menace.

Keyword:

Critical Analysis, Menace, Political Economy, Secret Cult, Social Structure.