LETTERS
Once proudly known as the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’, Jos is today battling a menace that threatens its very soul — the rising wave of cultism. What began as an underground campus culture has now dangerously spread to secondary schools, neighbourhoods and even rural communities, leaving behind a trail of fear, bloodshed and shattered lives.
The disturbing spread of cult activities has eroded the serenity the city was once famous for, replacing it with anxiety and insecurity. The lure of cultism among youth stems largely from a combination of social and economic frustrations.
Many young people, faced with joblessness, poverty and a lack of meaningful engagement, are easily enticed by promises of power, protection and belonging. Sadly, these deceptive offers only lead to pain and loss.
Lives are wasted, families are torn apart and communities are destabilised. The situation in Jos has become especially alarming, as reports of violent clashes and intimidation among secondary school students have become increasingly frequent. A local teacher lamented, “We’ve had to increase security in our school because of cult-related threats.”
The surge in cultism cannot be divorced from the harsh realities many young people face. Unemployment and the absence of recreational or creative outlets have created a fertile ground for frustration and rebellion.
Disillusioned youth, deprived of hope and guidance, often seek a sense of identity within cult groups that exploit their vulnerability. Peer influence, coupled with the misguided desire for social recognition, worsens the problem. This grim trend not only destroys individual potential but also undermines community peace, business stability and the social image of Jos as a safe and hospitable city.
Tackling cultism demands a wholistic and coordinated approach. While the Plateau State Government has launched security patrols and awareness campaigns, the challenge requires deeper community involvement. Religious institutions, schools, parents and traditional leaders must unite to confront the roots of this menace. Schools should strengthen counselling and mentorship systems to help identify and support at-risk students.
In addition, the media must continue to expose the dangers of cultism while promoting stories of reformation and positive youth achievements. Parents, on their part, must not shy away from having honest conversations with their children about the destructive nature of secret societies.
To the youth, the message is clear: your future is worth far more than the fleeting illusion of power offered by cults. True strength lies in discipline, education and integrity, not violence. Jos can reclaim its legacy as a land of peace only if everyone — from the government to ordinary citizens — takes a stand against this scourge. Cultism is not just a crime; it is a moral and social epidemic that threatens the foundation of our society.
Together, we can uproot it and restore the peace that once defined our beloved city.
Stanley Onuchukwu, Department of Mass Communication, Plateau State University, Bokkos
Plateau insecurity: A call to action
I am writing to express my deep concern over the recurring attacks and the rising insecurity across Plateau State. As someone who has personally witnessed the impact of these tragic incidents during my industrial training, I feel compelled to urge the government to take more strategic and decisive steps to curb the violence threatening our beloved state.
Plateau State, renowned for its rich cultural diversity, natural beauty and peace-loving people, has continued to experience disturbing patterns of insecurity. These violent clashes and attacks on innocent communities have not only resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property but have also gravely undermined economic development, intercommunal trust and social cohesion.
To address this alarming situation, I humbly propose a few key observations and recommendations that may strengthen the government’s response:
Community engagement: The government should prioritise regular dialogue and partnership between security agencies and local communities to build trust and encourage intelligence-sharing that could help prevent attacks before they occur.
Enhanced security presence: Security personnel must be strategically deployed to vulnerable areas, supported by the use of modern surveillance technologies, to deter aggressors and respond promptly when threats arise.
Addressing socio-economic factors: Poverty and unemployment often make young people vulnerable to manipulation and recruitment into violent groups. Economic empowerment programmes and job creation initiatives could help tackle these root causes of insecurity.
Interfaith and inter-ethnic collaboration: Plateau’s diversity should be harnessed as a source of strength. Cultural and religious leaders must be empowered to promote tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence among the different communities.
Intelligence gathering and sharing: There should be improved coordination among all security agencies and stronger collaboration with local leaders to ensure that credible information is acted upon swiftly to prevent attacks.
I also urge both the Plateau State and federal governments to:
Prioritise proactive measures: Implement comprehensive and proactive security strategies that balance immediate response with long-term preventive action.
Support victims and rebuild communities: Ensure adequate care, compensation and rehabilitation for displaced persons and survivors of attacks to restore hope and rebuild trust in affected areas.
The people of Plateau State deserve to live in peace and dignity. Ending the cycle of violence requires a holistic approach that combines firm security measures with social justice, community partnership and inclusive governance. I trust that the government will heed this urgent call and act decisively to safeguard our people and preserve the peace of the Plateau.
Danbaba Livingstone, Department of Mass Communication, Plateau State Univerisity, Bokkos