DSS nabs 3 students for cultism in Osun

Cultism is on the rise among secondary school students in Osun State with the arrest of five students in one week and the suspension of 26 others.

Three of the five students arrested were yesterday nabbed by officials of the Department of State Services DSS, for allegedly engaging in cultism in their school, Government Technical College, Osogbo.

The authorities of the college, it was learnt, handed over the suspected cultists to the DSS to prevent further breakdown of law and order in the school.

Two students of Osogbo High School (formerly Osogbo Grammar School), which shares a fence with Goverment Technical College, were also arrested by the police for alleged involvement in cultism.

26 students of the Baptist High School, Osogbo (formerly Baptist Girls’ High School) were suspended on Tuesday for alleged cult activities in the school.

Commenting on the development, the state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Mr Saka Adesiyan said “The suspension of the students came after the state government set up a disciplinary committee to look into causes of crises in public schools.

“There is need for collaboration between teachers, parents and guardians to instill discipline in students”.

A teacher in one of the affected school who spoke on condition of anonymity said the recent crises were the results of new government policies.

According to the teacher, the government of Governor Rauf Aregbesola had accused principals and teachers of extorting money from students when he came on board.

“He gave many rules and conditions that made us lose our respects before the students. To make matters worse, he said no teacher should beat any student.

“Even when you try to punish them for their wrongdoing, they know you are scared of losing your job and wouldn’t insist if they refuse.

“The governor sold us cheaply to the students. This is the result,” the teacher said.