Gangs and Glory: The Coded World of Street Cults
In many Nigerian cities, a hidden subculture thrives in the shadows, driven by loyalty, fear, and survival. Street cults, often seen as an urban menace, have evolved from campus groups into sprawling networks that reach beyond schools and into everyday life.
Once confined to tertiary institutions, these groups now operate in neighbourhoods, markets, motor parks, and even political gatherings. Their members, usually young men, are bound by secret codes, rituals, and signs that signify belonging.
For many, initiation into a cult is both a symbol of power and a shield against vulnerability in an unequal society. The appeal often begins with a sense of belonging, especially for youths struggling with unemployment, poverty, or social neglect.
Author's summary: Street cults in Nigeria have evolved into complex networks.