Odinkalu Accuses Political Leaders Of Sponsoring Cults Fueling Insecurity Across South East Nigeria, Dismisses IPOB Accusations

 

Human rights advocate and former Chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, has issued a strong condemnation of political actors in the South East, accusing them of being the real masterminds behind the insecurity that has gripped the region. Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, October 23, Odinkalu dismissed the widespread belief that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) are solely responsible for the escalating violence and breakdown of law and order in the area.

According to the respected lawyer, the roots of insecurity in the South East extend far deeper than separatist agitation. He claimed that political figures have, over the years, funded and armed cult groups to further their personal and electoral interests. Odinkalu described the scale of cult-related violence as alarming and largely underestimated, warning that the menace has evolved into a full-blown regional security crisis.

He stated that while IPOB’s activities have contributed to tensions in some parts of the region, it is misleading to attribute every violent incident or case of unrest to the group. The human rights lawyer argued that such a narrative only serves to obscure the real causes of instability while shielding those truly responsible for the bloodshed.

According to him, “the biggest single issue, in security terms, confronting the South East, in my estimation, based on the work I have done, is not IPOB; it is one word, cults, financed by politicians. The cults are the biggest single problem, and people have no idea how deep and terrible this problem has become.”

His remarks come amid continued debates over the causes of insecurity in the South East, which has been plagued by kidnappings, killings, arson, and frequent clashes between armed groups and security forces. For years, government officials and security agencies have largely blamed IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), for the chaos. Odinkalu’s intervention, however, challenges this narrative and demands a more critical look at the influence of political structures on regional violence.

Observers note that cultism has existed in Nigeria for decades, often originating from university campuses before spreading into communities and political networks. In the South East, several communities have reportedly become battlegrounds for rival cult groups seeking dominance and control, with politicians allegedly exploiting these groups for intimidation during elections or to silence opposition voices.

Odinkalu lamented that the political culture in the region has become deeply entangled with violence, where power is often secured through coercion rather than credible democratic processes. He said this has eroded public trust, deepened insecurity, and left many communities at the mercy of criminal gangs disguised as political thugs.

The lawyer also called on law enforcement agencies to widen their scope of investigation beyond IPOB, insisting that the authorities must confront the uncomfortable truth about the role of local politicians in arming and empowering violent actors. He urged the security establishment to act with sincerity, professionalism, and fairness rather than adopting a one-dimensional approach that criminalizes legitimate political grievances.

Several analysts have echoed Odinkalu’s concerns, warning that the persistent focus on IPOB alone risks allowing other dangerous elements to thrive unchecked. They argue that without addressing the proliferation of cult groups and the culture of political violence, peace and stability in the region will remain elusive.

Residents in various South East states, including Anambra, Imo, Enugu, and Abia, have frequently complained about rising insecurity and the inability of authorities to curb it. Many have accused local political leaders of failing to prioritize governance and development while concentrating on self-serving power struggles.

Odinkalu’s revelation sheds new light on the complex nature of insecurity in the region and highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy that addresses both political and social dimensions of the crisis. He emphasized that meaningful peace can only be achieved if the political class stops using young people as tools for violence and focuses instead on providing opportunities, education, and jobs.

Security experts have also noted that dismantling the network of cult groups will require intelligence-led operations, community engagement, and a political commitment to transparency. They warn that as long as politicians continue to patronize such groups for electoral advantage, violence will persist regardless of how many military operations are launched against IPOB or other organizations.

Odinkalu’s comments have sparked widespread reactions across social media, with many Nigerians commending his courage to speak on a topic often ignored by those in power. Others have urged the federal and state governments to investigate his claims and initiate reforms that will restore public safety in the region.

As the debate continues, Odinkalu’s message serves as a reminder that insecurity in the South East is not merely a product of separatist agitation but a symptom of a deeper political decay. Without confronting the forces that nurture and exploit violence for power, the region’s dream of peace and development may remain a distant hope.