The Oyo State Police Command has intensified its campaign against cultism and other social vices by taking its awareness programme to secondary schools in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area.
The initiative, organised under the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), targeted more than 2,000 students with messages on staying away from crime and making positive life choices.
Police Warn Students Against Cultism
POCACOV officials visited three secondary schools in Igboora to educate students on the dangers of cultism and other criminal activities.
The schools visited include Police Secondary School, Adegoke College, and Favourland College.
During the campaign, officers urged students to reject cultism, illicit drug use, political thuggery, stealing, internet fraud, gambling, defilement and other crimes.
Over 2,000 Students Participate
The police said the awareness programme reached more than 2,000 students across the three schools.
Officers encouraged the students to remain focused on their education and avoid peer pressure that could expose them to criminal activities.
They also advised them to report suspicious behaviour to their parents, teachers or security agencies.
POCACOV Promotes Crime Prevention
The Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices is one of the Nigeria Police Force’s community policing initiatives.
The programme focuses on preventing crime through public enlightenment rather than relying only on arrests and prosecution.
Police officers explained that early education remains one of the most effective ways to discourage young people from joining cult groups or engaging in other unlawful acts.
Police Seek Community Support
The command urged parents, teachers and community leaders to support efforts aimed at protecting young people from criminal influences.
It stressed that tackling cultism requires collaboration between schools, families and security agencies.
The police also reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace and ensuring a safe learning environment for students across Oyo State.
