The Delta House of Assembly on Wednesday passed the state’s Anti-terrorism and Anti-cultism (Amendment) Bill, 2025, for assent.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the bill sought to prohibit terrorism, cultism and the use of bombs in the state.
The Executive amendment bill is to provide a clearer understanding of the offence of cultism as envisaged by the existing law, and for the ease of prosecuting offenders.
The Majority Leader of the assembly, Dr Emeka Nwaobi, moved a motion for the suspension of the House Rule 12, Order 80, 82 and 83, to enable the Assembly to take the third reading and its passage.
The motion, which was unanimously adopted by the assembly when put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor, was seconded by Mr Charles Emetulu (APC-Ndokwa West).
Guwor said that the bill, when signed into law, would help to prohibit terrorism, cultism and the use of bombs in the state.
The Speaker commended the lawmakers for what he described as their legislative dexterity and commitment to duty.
Guwor noted that the passage of the bill was a testament to their collective desire for the overall well-being of Deltans and the state in general.
Besides, the assembly passed the State Colleges of Education Bill, 2025, after passing through its third reading.
The legislative action comes amid a spike in cult-related violence and criminal activity in Delta State in recent months.
PUNCH Online reports that on September 18, 2025, the Nigerian Army and South South Joint Task Force neutralised a notorious cultist, Mr. Dele, in Pessu community, Warri South LGA, arresting another accomplice and seizing weapons linked to kidnapping for ransom.
On October 1, 2025, and in subsequent days, Delta Police arrested several armed robbers and suspected cultists in Asaba, some linked to the Arobaga secret cult, targeting violent crimes, drug peddling, and robberies fueled by cult rivalries.
On October 19, four suspects were arrested for allegedly initiating a toddler into a cult, highlighting the disturbing reach of cult influence into very young children. A few days later, police, acting on a tip from the Aviara community, arrested Donatus Odovo over suspected Eiye cult activity.
The period also saw violent attacks linked to cult rivalry, including the killing of a carpenter, Ovoke, in Warri, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by cult groups in the state.
NAN
