The Rivers State chapter of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) has sensitised students and teachers on the dangers of belonging to unlawful secret cults and engaging in drug and substance abuse.
The awareness campaign, held on Friday at Community Secondary School, Rumuolumeni, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, followed growing concerns over the rising consumption of hard drugs and alcohol among students in the area.
The event, which brought together students from neighbouring schools, had as its theme: “Cultism, Drug Abuse and My Academics.” The Rivers State POCACOV Coordinator, ASP Captain Ogbuewe, represented both the state Police Command and the National Coordinator, ACP Olabisi Okuwobi.
POCACOV ambassadors, including Patrick Akatakpo and Engr. Chris Odorgbo, enlightened participants on the initiative’s mandate to curb cultism and drug abuse through advocacy and community partnerships.
In his remarks, the state chairman of POCACOV, Ambassador Eke Onwuka, urged school authorities to promptly report any cases of cult-related activities or drug use to the organisation for swift intervention.
The students were cautioned that smoking marijuana, sniffing chemicals, or taking unprescribed drugs constitute acts of abuse and are punishable offences.
The ambassadors further warned that drug abuse could negatively impact students’ academic performance and future prospects, urging them to stay disciplined and make their families and society proud.
