CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study      ÂÂÂ
Nowadays, cultism is a societal problem which is not restricted only to the higher institutions of learning but that which is a common phenomenon that characterizes the entire society. The church and communities are not excluded from this menace, because they are part of the society. In fact, the secondary and primary schools are not left behind. Abayomi and Nnabugwu (2012) cites the instances about the expulsion of twenty-six secondary school students for involvement in cult activities in 2002 in Cross River State; the beating of a secondary school typist to death in Eket, Akwa Ibom State in 2004; and the killing of one Victor (a.k.a ‘papa’) a secondary school student in Oron, Akwa Ibom State in January 2004. Also they reported the massive initiation of children into more than 150 cult groups identified by the anti-cultism law of Rivers State and the arrest of seven secondary school kingpins in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State in 2004, and opened people’s eyes to the rot at the secondary school level in Nigeria. Abiola (2012) states that some students of Souls’ Anglican Grammar School, Ado Ekiti in Ekiti State are arrested for their alleged involvement in cultism. The students, numbering nineteen are arrested and detained at the Divisional Police Station, Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti. The victims, some of whom confessed their membership of the notorious ‘Eye Confraternity’ to the security agents, comprised six female and thirteen male, aging fourteen to sixteen years. This is duly confirmed by the school principal – Mrs. Grace Ibikunle, and Ekiti State Police force PRO – ASP Victor Babayemi. There are many in body of literature which authenticate this claim. For instance, Clementina Oyakhilome (2012) raises the issue of cultism in the primary and post primary schools and the concerns the malaise gives to the federal government. Pathetic enough, one Ogega Onowighose who is expelled from secondary school, affirmed his cult membership in secondary school (even now) and his expulsion from school. In response, governments (local, state, and federal) and security agents at one time or the other have taken series of steps. The review of the existing laws in the education sector is one of the steps taken (Abiola, 2012). The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the spread of cult activities in primary and secondary schools across the nation. Consequently, government has indicated its interest to review existing laws in the education sector in order to clip the wings of cultists in institutions of learning. President Goodluck E. Jonathan at a conference lamented “It is painful to realize that cultism… have dangerously infected the psyche of some of our expected leaders of tomorrow. Gender, age and level of education are no longer inhibitions to membership of cults…†and called on the National Assembly to enact tougher laws against cultists, to no avail. The alarming rate of cultism in higher institution and its rise in primary and secondary schools whilst failing governments’ efforts pose trouble, and the non-involvement of the communities and churches, particularly pastoral care givers is pertinent have given rise to this study. Therefore, this work examines vividly this menace and proffers some relevant tips that can enhance effective and efficient pastoral guardianship.