Edgal Imohimi, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, on Friday said six out of ten young people in Lagos were cultists.

He stated this at a town hall meeting with some residents of Surulere area of the state.

The forum was on “ Partnership with Community for Crime Prevention.’’

Imohimi called for state of emergency on cultism, saying that cultism among youths in Lagos was alarming.

The Commissioner said, “I instructed one of my officers to carry out a research on the reason for increase in cultism among the young ones, and it was revealed that it gives them a kind of advantage over their peers.”

He added that, “For some, they joined to avoid being intimidated. Whatever reason it is, the blame is on us parents for not caring enough about our children.”

Imohimi appreciated the residents of Surulere for their support in crime fighting and criminality in their community, adding that the level of criminal in the area has drastically reduced.

He urged the residents of Surulere to continue to provide useful information to the police in their area, urging them to report any “unprofessional” conduct of police officers.

He also called on parents and guardians to monitor their children’s movement to prevent them from being used as political thugs during the forthcoming general elections.

Imohimi added, “The election year is approaching and it is time we started talking to ourselves. Do not allow politicians to come and use your children as touts.

“All you need to do is get your PVC and vote peacefully. Let us not allow some people come from elsewhere to disrupt the peace in Lagos.’’