Cultism and Youth Violence in Ikere Ekiti, Nigeria

Cultism and youth violence have become pervasive issues in Nigeria, significantly impacting societal stability and development. This study investigates the growing problem of cultism and youth violence in Ikere-Ekiti, a semi-urban community in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Using the Sub-culture Theory which explains deviant behavior as a result of conflicting social values the research explores the nature, causes, and effects of cultism-related youth violence, as well as community responses to it. A descriptive, explorative, and cross-sectional research design was adopted, and data were gathered from 200 respondents, including youths, community leaders, and law enforcement officers through structured questionnaires. Findings show that cult-related violence in Ikere-Ekiti commonly manifests in forms such as rioting, vandalism, and armed robbery, with the highest involvement among youths aged 20–24. Major causes identified include economic hardship, unemployment, peer pressure, poor parental upbringing, and lack of meaningful engagement. These factors have worsened insecurity, disrupted education and local economies, and led to loss of lives. The study further revealed that efforts by law enforcement and the community to address the issue are constrained by fear of retaliation, corruption, and inadequate resources. It concludes that combating cultism requires a holistic and multi-dimensional approach involving economic empowerment, educational reforms, strong community leadership, and improved policing. The study recommends skill acquisition programs, youth mentorship initiatives, and collaborative partnerships among government agencies, religious bodies, and traditional leaders. These combined efforts will help reduce cultism and youth violence, fostering peace and stability in Ikere-Ekiti and similar communities across Nigeria.