Cult war may be inevitable in Umuaka as “motorcycle boys” flex muscle.
3 min read
The sun had just begun to set over the tranquil and prosperous town of Umuaka Municipal Council, thereby casting a serious tension and fever over the bustling streets of the fastest developing community in Imo State. However, despite the peaceful atmosphere the community is known for, a sense of unease has settled in the hearts of many Akalites; Rumours and reports yet to be confirmed by Umuaka Times have been secretly circulating about an impending cult war between two or more rival cult groups in Umuaka, threatening to unleash chaos and destruction upon rival members. At the heart of these drumbeats of war are the “motorcycle boys” who are also addressed as “Yahoo boys” by many. In the last few years, Umuaka Times investigations show that the radical and reckless driving activities and nuisance value of “motorcycle boys” have constituted a big source of troublesome and worrisome concerns to Akalites.
It is absolutely no secret that almost all the “motorcycle boys” in Umuaka and beyond, belong to different cult groups operating in Njaba, Isu and many LGAs in the state. From all indications, these groups according to Umuaka Times findings may most likely be heading towards an undiluted anarchy and social disorganization which will spell doom for the community and end in pure human tragedies. Already, a report of cold war between some cult groups has been received and some “motorcycle boys” have already been attacked, victimized and even shot by rival cult groups.
A motorcycle boy who spoke with Umuaka Times during the cause of the investigations for this story disclosed that “it is not if there will be cult war in Umuaka; it is a question of when will the full blown war begin.” In the face of the looming threat, Umuaka Times considers it imperative for Akalites to take protective measures against the impending disaster as the dark days of the Animal Kingdom are still fresh in the minds of many Akalites.
A security expert who spoke with the local affairs correspondents of Umuaka Times under the condition of anonymity recommends for Akalites to report any suspicious activity by “motorcycle boys” to the authorities. “If you see something, you must say something. The police and other law enforcement agencies need the community’s cooperation to effectively combat cultism in Umuaka.”
According to him, parents and guardians have a critical role to play in preventing their children from being recruited into cult groups. “They must engage with their children, monitor their activities, and teach them the dangers of cultism.”
PGs, royal fathers and top community leaders and stakeholders also have a responsibility to promote peace and unity among the people of Umuaka Municipal Council. “They must organize initiatives and programs in secondary schools and community gatherings aimed at discouraging young people from joining cult groups and encouraging them to pursue positive and productive endeavours.”
For now, the drumbeats of highly preventable cult wars are secretly sounding in the ears of many Akalites. Only history will be able to identify who will be caught in the crossfire when the time comes.
