of cultism among youths in recent time have become a pressing issue globally. The

scourge of cultism continues to ravage youthful population which is largely

instigated by peer pressure. This study explored the relationship between peer

pressure and cultism in Gwer-East Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria.

The study examined the influence of identity formation on youths involvement in

cultism, assessed the influence of manipulation on youths involvement in cultism

and investigated how fear of rejection influences youths involvement in cultism in

Gwer-East LGA. The study adopted Social learning theory. The study is crosssectional.

The sample for the study comprises 426. Data was collected through

Questionnaire and In-Depth Interviews. Quantitative analysis was done using

Statistical Service Package for Solution (SSPS). While qualitative data was analysed

using manual content analysis. The study found that the search for a stable identity

during adolescence age inspire youths into cultism. The study also found that fear of

social exclusion from friends or social circles creates a powerful incentive for youths

to join cultism, as they seek a sense of belonging, acceptance. The study concludes

that desire for identity, acceptance and fear of rejection drives youths participation in

cultism. The study recommends that community leaders, religious bodies and

stakeholders should develop mentorship and counseling initiatives that will support

the youths in building healthy self-identities and resilience against the allure of cult

groups.