There has been a concerning trend of cultism in Asaba, Delta state, where 61 secondary school students reportedly experienced snake bite initiation. The act involves marking the back of a student's palm as a sign of their initiation into a cult.
In response to this alarming situation, the Commissioner for Information, Delta State, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, issued a stern warning that the state government would not hesitate to shut down any secondary school found to be involved in cult-related activities. The Ministry of Education also plans to increase its supervisory role to address this issue effectively. Aniagwu emphasized that students found guilty of participating in cultism would face appropriate punishments.
Aniagwu urged parents to be vigilant and emphasized the importance of proper investigation and reporting to the police before sharing such incidents on social media. He encouraged the public not to give credence to false claims and rumors.
To dispel these rumors and address the situation, the police released video clips of statements given by the pupils, the mother involved, and footage of the alleged act being carried out. The Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass, immediately ordered an on-the-spot investigation by the Area Commander Asaba and the Command Public Relations Officer.
During the investigation, it was discovered that the incident was not related to a cult initiation but rather a harmless game called “snake bite.” A 9-year-old boy, Uche (surname unknown), explained that the game involved rubbing a small white paper on the back of someone's palm. The PPRO even volunteered his own hand, and the child demonstrated the process, resulting in the same mark that had been wrongly associated with cult initiation.
The police, therefore, clarified that there was no cult initiation involved in the incident and provided control room numbers to address any concerns or reports related to the issue.
Overall, it is crucial for parents, authorities, and the public to remain calm and rely on verified information before drawing conclusions or spreading rumors. The government and law enforcement agencies are actively addressing the situation and taking necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
