CP Rivers joins IGP’s campaign against cultism, drug abuse, calls for collective action
By ABIRHIRE THOMAS
According to the police commissioner, many youths are lured into cult groups and criminal activities due to poor parental guidance, negative peer influence and a lack of positive role models.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Rivers State Police Command to the Inspector-General of Police’s nationwide campaign against cultism, drug abuse and other social vices, urging all stakeholders to unite in protecting young people from criminal influences.
Speaking at the relaunch of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) in Port Harcourt, CP Adepoju said the fight against cultism and drug-related crimes cannot be left to law enforcement agencies alone. He called on parents, teachers, religious leaders, traditional rulers and community stakeholders to work together in providing proper guidance and moral support for young people.
According to the police commissioner, many youths are lured into cult groups and criminal activities due to poor parental guidance, negative peer influence and a lack of positive role models. He stressed that sustained public enlightenment and awareness campaigns remain critical to preventing young people from embracing crime and violence.
Adepoju noted that the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, is strengthening community-based initiatives aimed at discouraging cultism, drug abuse and other social vices while promoting responsible citizenship among Nigerian youths.
Delivering the keynote lecture at the event, the Acting Head of the Department of Political Science, Rivers State University, Dr. Anthony Egobueze, called on governments at all levels to tackle unemployment as part of efforts to curb criminality.
Presenting a paper titled “From Destruction to Direction: Building a Society Free of Cultism and Social Vices,” Dr. Egobueze argued that the lack of employment opportunities continues to expose many young people to cultism, drug abuse and other forms of criminal behaviour.
He urged federal, state and local governments to invest more in job creation, youth empowerment and skills acquisition programmes, saying meaningful employment would reduce idleness and provide alternatives to crime.
The event brought together police officers, academics, students, community leaders and other stakeholders, all of whom reiterated the need for sustained collaboration to build a safer society free from cultism, drug abuse and other social vices.
