Members of the Ogun State House of Assembly have urged the ‘Stop Crime Team Nigeria,’ an arm of the ‘Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACON)’ initiated by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to extend its advocacy beyond schools to other societal groups and government agencies to tackle the rising menace of cultism and other criminal activities involving teenagers and youths.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, led the charge while receiving the POCACON delegation, headed by its National Coordinator, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olabisi Okuwobi, during an advocacy visit to the Assembly Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Commending the initiative, Elemide stressed the importance of adopting non-violent approaches to curbing cultism and crime, stating, “This fight requires collective effort. The police’s approach through advocacy is commendable, and we must all support it.”
Lawmakers, including Honourables Damilare Bello, Babatunde Tella, Yusuf Amosun, Folawewo Salami, and Omolola Bakare, linked the rise in cult-related crimes to parental failure and peer influence in schools.
They expressed concerns that the menace had spread beyond secondary and tertiary institutions to primary schools and even informal sectors, with groups such as motorcycle riders, butchers, commercial drivers, and artisans reportedly forming violent cult groups.
Expressing worry over the trend, the lawmakers said, “Cultism is no longer restricted to students. It has infiltrated the informal sector, posing a serious threat to societal peace. This campaign must go beyond schools to target all segments of society.”
ACP Okuwobi, in her remarks, revealed that police investigations showed a strong connection between arrested criminals and cult groups.
She emphasized the importance of community engagement, renunciation, disarmament, and rehabilitation in combating cultism.
“We have observed that many criminals had links to cult groups. This is why we focus on advocacy, rather than force, to prevent future crimes,” she explained.
The lawmakers lauded the Inspector General of Police for adopting an advocacy-driven approach rather than relying solely on force.
Meanwhile, Speaker Elemide and other legislators also met with the executive members of the Ogun State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by Rt. Rev’d Emmanuel Adekunle.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the government and religious bodies to support the welfare and empowerment of citizens across the state.
“Faith-based organizations play a crucial role in societal development. We must work together to enhance networking, welfare, and empowerment programs for the people,” Elemide stated.
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