Cultism: Gunmen shoot, behead Nigerian man, take away his body

Some hoodlums, suspected to be members of a group known for cultism, Eiye (which means “bird” in Yoruba language), have reportedly shot and beheaded a Nigerian man, identified as Seun, a fuel attendant at Taidom Filling Station at Alaroro in Ijoko, in the South West state of Ogun.

An X, formerly Twitter, user, Naija Confra, broke the news on social media on Tuesday, May 28.

According to Naija Confra, seemingly not satisfied with the damage, the hoodlums took away the lifeless body.

The suspected cultists, in a rare gesture, publicly displayed the head on top of a bridge to the full glare of passers-by.

The post reads:

“The alleged Eiye member beheaded today is identified as Seun, a fuel attendant at Taidom Filling Station at Alaroro in Ijoko.

“According to our sources, the attackers specifically targeted Seun, shooting him first and causing everyone nearby to flee.

“They then finished him off and beheaded him,” in a gesture believed to be rooted in cultism, read the post.

Naija Confra quoted a source as also confirm that the cultists left only Seun’s head at the scene.

They, however, took his body with them.

“The streets of Ijoko are now deserted, with residents living in fear. Increased police presence is urgently needed,” the tweet added.

See below a picture of the head of Seun, a victim of suspected cultism, hanging on top of the bridge:

Cultism in Nigeria

Cultism in Nigeria has been a longstanding issue, particularly on university campuses.

These secret societies are also known as confraternities or campus cults.

They operate clandestinely and have a history of violence and criminal activities.

Here are some key points about cultism in Nigeria:

Formation and Initiation

Cults like the Buccaneers, Black Axe, Vikings, and Eiye recruit members through brutal initiation rituals.

These rituals often involve physical abuse, blindfolding, and beatings to instill bravery and loyalty.

Chain of Command and Symbols

Cults have a hierarchical structure similar to militia groups.

They use code words, insignia, and colors associated with their favorite weapons.

Members are promised protection from rival gangs, but the real motivation is power and popularity.

Violence and Criminal Activities

Campus cultism groups have been accused of serious violence, including killings.

Some students are lured with promises of networking opportunities.

Cultism has expanded beyond campuses, operating off-campus and even recruiting non-university members.

Notable Incidents

Brutal killings have occurred at various universities, such as the University of Nigeria, Kogi State University, and Rivers State University.

In cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt, cults recruit teenagers into street gangs, serving as a training ground for future university members.

Recent Developments

During the COVID-19 lockdown, reports of gang attacks spread, leading to the formation of vigilante groups.

Cultism despite being banned, these secret societies continue to operate, posing a challenge to security and education institutions in Nigeria.

The Eiye Cult

The Eiye Cult, also known as the National Association of Air Lords, is a group notable for cultism in Nigeria.

It was founded by some students of the University of Ibadan (UI) in 1963.

The Eiye Cult has gained notoriety for its activities, which often involve violence, secrecy, and criminal behavior.

Here are some key points about the Eiye Cult as far as cultism is concerned:

Origins and Formation

The Eiye Cult emerged from the University of Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s premier institutions.

Its founding members aimed to create a brotherhood that transcended academic boundaries.

Symbolism and Colors

Eiye cultism is associated with the color red. Like other cults, it has its own insignia and symbols.

Activities and Influence

The Eiye Cult operates both on and off university campuses, recruiting members through initiation rituals.

Similar to other secret societies, violence, intimidation and criminal activities are often linked to the group.

Rivalries and Conflicts

The Eiye Cult has, in the past, engaged in clashes with rival cults, including the Black Axe Confraternity.

Such conflicts have often resulted in injuries and fatalities.

Legal Status

The Eiye Cult continues to operate clandestinely, despite the fact that cultism has been banned.

Law enforcement authorities have arrested and prosecuted many of its members for cultism over the years.

The Eiye Cult’s influence extends beyond university campuses, impacting communities and neighborhoods.

While its origins lie in academia, its actions have far-reaching consequences in Nigerian society.

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