The Nigeria Police Force, Oyo State Command, on Friday launched a statewide campaign aimed at curbing cultism and other social vices among youths, particularly in schools and communities across the state.
The initiative, tagged Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), was formally unveiled on Friday, at the Police Command’s Conference Hall, Eleyele, Ibadan, by the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna.
Represented at the event by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration), Abiodun Onuoha, the police boss said the campaign was designed to confront the growing influence of cultism and other criminal behaviours threatening the future of young people.
He noted that the police command recognised the dangerous attraction of cult groups among youths, warning that what often begins as a search for belonging or protection frequently degenerates into violence, fear and regret.
“Brilliant minds have been traded for violence and regret, leading to wasted potentials. Many parents have also lost their children to cycles of senseless conflicts arising from cult clashes,” he said.
Haruna explained that beyond cultism, the campaign would also address other vices including drug abuse, cybercrime, harassment, thuggery, theft and related criminal activities that undermine the moral fabric of society.
According to him, education should serve as a tool for liberation and development rather than a gateway into destructive lifestyles.
He stressed that the POCACOV initiative was anchored on raising awareness and encouraging collective responsibility among students, parents, religious institutions and community leaders.
“Silence is consent. By speaking out against cultism, we strip these groups of their power. Every student and citizen deserves to live and move freely without fear or intimidation,” he stated.
The commissioner further said the campaign would involve extensive sensitisation programmes across schools, worship centres and communities throughout Oyo State.
He described the initiative as more than a symbolic programme, adding that it was intended to inspire a cultural shift that would encourage young people to pursue excellence and integrity rather than secret cult affiliations.
“True power does not come from weapons or secret oaths but from excellence, integrity and the ability to lift others up,” he said.
Haruna also called on parents and guardians to remain attentive to the emotional and social lives of their children, urging them to maintain open communication and close supervision.
“Stay engaged with your children. Listen to the unspoken words and be the safe harbour they need,” he advised.
He assured residents that the command would remain firm, fair and consistent in tackling cultism and other criminal activities while also creating avenues for individuals willing to renounce such groups and embrace lawful living.
As part of the campaign’s outreach activities, the police command announced plans to distribute educational materials, including notebooks, pens and school bags, to students during visits to schools across the state.
The commissioner urged youths to reject violence and destructive peer influence, emphasising that the future belongs to those who choose knowledge and progress over intimidation.
“Let us choose books over blades. Let us choose progress over peer pressure. Let us choose life,” he added.