The Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State governor on Security, Mr. Oteme Bateren, has blamed the cult violence in Ughelli Town, on politicians who have ambitious ahead the 2027 general elections.
It would be recalled that on March 2, 2025, two persons were killed during a cult clash, while another victim was critically injured, in parts of Ughelli metropolis.
Speaking on the issue, Bateren expressed deep concern over the violence, emphasizing that the victims are predominantly young men.
He pointed out that the clashes involve rival confraternities, including the Neo-Black Movement, Vikings, and Aye Confraternity, with each group suffering casualties.
“We don’t really know the exact cause of the problem, but I believe it is driven by selfish interests, especially with the upcoming 2027 elections.
“It is a battle for supremacy, and some politicians are stirring things up. These young men being used are fools; they don’t realize they are being manipulated,” Bateren stated.
According to Bateren, the cult clashes are not random, but are being influenced by politicians who seek to strengthen their factions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Many of these young men are being used as pawns by political pressure groups trying to prove themselves, and cause unnecessary trouble,” he explained.
He further revealed that past efforts to maintain peace had been undermined.
A peace accord was signed under the leadership of the divisional police officer, and the area commander, where cult leaders agreed to surrender any member, responsible for violent acts.
However, this initiative fell apart due to threats and manipulations.
“The right people are not being invited to security meetings. Instead, only those who will say what the authorities want to hear are included. That is why the killings persist,” he lamented.
Bateren stressed the need for a comprehensive security meeting, involving key stakeholders, including the police, royal fathers, local government officials, and community heads.
“We need a firm decision that states clearly that if this happens, this is how we will handle it. Security should be managed through the palace, as the royal father of Ughelli must take a stand,” he said.
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He also noted that confraternities have evolved from their original purpose, which was to foster academic, and social growth.
“Back in the day, if a member was falling behind academically, the group would push him to improve. But now, people who never even stepped into a university are leading these groups, and they are causing trouble,” the governor’s aide said.
Addressing reports of another killing in the Makolomi area, Bateren clarified that the incident was not connected to the cult war.
“The person killed in Makolomi was a robber who was caught breaking into a warehouse. The community took matters into their own hands,” he revealed.
Bateren criticized security agencies for their lax response to the situation, pointing out that many officers themselves are members of these confraternities.
“We have vigilantes, hunters, police, and soldiers, yet the killings continue because some security personnel are also involved. The police must wake up to their responsibilities,” he warned.
He further called for a united front to stop the violence before it escalates ahead of the elections, adding that “if nothing is done, by 2026, the situation will be hell. We must act now to prevent further bloodshed.”
