Rising Cult-Related Violence: MOSIEND Calls for Urgent Youth Reorientation, Human Capital Development
The Movement for the Survival of the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), through its Directorate of Reorientation, expresses grave concern over the escalating cult-related violence in Rivers State and across the Niger Delta.
A statement issued on Monday through Amb Hope Harvard Erekosima, for the Directorate of Reorientation MOSIEND, noted that this unfortunate incidents stem from long-standing systemic neglect, limited opportunities, and failures in youth development.
The statement further revealed that “Community investigations shows that youths are drawn into cultism and gangs due to poor access to quality education, lack of vocational training, high unemployment, and few empowerment options in Ijaw communities” Financial hardship has forced many to drop out of school without alternatives, leaving them vulnerable to recruitment.
MOSIEND urged all stakeholders, government, traditional leaders, communities, civil society, and private sector, to acknowledge the underserved youth and commit to change.
MOSIEND also called on the Federal Government, Rivers State Government, and agencies to launch a coordinated youth strategy immediately: expanded vocational training, entrepreneurship funds, scholarships, mental health support, and community empowerment. Revitalize the PAP with transparency, fairness, and sustained training.
Key institutions face challenges: The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) continued stipends and scholarships (including 2025/2026 opportunities), yet many beneficiaries, especially in Rivers State, report delays, suspensions, or unclear removals.
Training and reintegration efforts have slowed, risking relapse. The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) advances infrastructure and skills programs (e.g., CNG vehicle conversion training), but human capital investment remains insufficient, with data exercises often lacking prompt follow-up empowerment.
Local governments, now with direct federal allocations, deliver mostly routine projects with minimal focus on scholarships or youth engagement.
Social neglect breeds frustration, depression, and identity crises, with cult groups offering false senses of belonging, protection, and income. The trend is worsened by the occasional patronage of “hardmen” in political circles, signaling that violence can yield influence and power.
The ongoing political tensions in Rivers State have created a governance vacuum, sidelining urgent priorities like youth empowerment and security.
To our Ijaw and Niger Delta youths: Your lives matter. Cultism promises quick gains but delivers destruction and lost potential. Reject violence; embrace education, entrepreneurship, skills, and leadership. The Ijaw legacy is resilience and unity, not self-harm.
This is a critical moment. Without swift action, violence will escalate. A stitch in time saves nine, act now.
MOSIEND remains dedicated to peace, youth empowerment, and sustainable development in Ijaw communities and the Niger Delta.
