High cases of cultism in Wadata Community, Makurdi, Benue State (II)
By Hassan Idris
Honestly, I’m tired of Wadata Community, Makurdi. I have spoken out and written several articles and been published in various newspapers, yet things continue to worsen. The incessant killings in the name of cultism are exhausting and appalling. Every day, we wake up to the sound of continuous heavy gunshots. And with each shot comes injury or death.
Some weeks ago, there were serious gunshots at night. I had to close my gate tightly and hide inside my room. Not less than ten bullets were fired into the sky. Last night, I was startled awake by gunfire in our Wadata Community again. Sadly, these disturbances aren’t uncommon, so I tried to go back to sleep despite feeling uneasy.
This morning, as I rushed to the Islamiyya where I teach, eager to start the day with my students, I saw people around the area. I was told that the gunshots I heard last night killed Nurah and injured another young man. Bullets had pierced through Nurah’s neck while he was having tea and bread at a Mai Shayi joint. Nurah was rushed to the hospital but died instantly, while the other young man, who was shot in the leg, is still receiving treatment.
This is a stark reminder of the grip cultism has on our community. Like many others, this young man paid the ultimate price due to our collective negligence—parents, society, and the government alike. As I stood there this morning, I couldn’t help but imagine the pain and fear he must have felt in his last moments.
Cultism in the Wadata Community, Makurdi, is a tragic cycle of violence that has claimed too many young lives, leaving families devastated and dreams shattered. It’s tempting to blame parents, society, or the government, but the reality is more complex. Cultism thrives in neglected and indifferent communities, preying on vulnerable young people. It’s a symptom of deeper issues—a lack of opportunities, guidance, and protection for our children.
As I stood before my students, unable to find the words to teach, I felt a deep sense of urgency. We can’t keep losing our young people to cultism. It’s up to all of us—parents, teachers, leaders, and policymakers—to come together and tackle this problem head-on.
May we find the wisdom and courage to act decisively, to protect our children’s future, and to heal the wounds caused by senseless violence. Only then can we restore the promise and potential lost to the darkness of cultism.
Hassan Idris wrote via idrishassan035@gmail.com.