POCACOV, Police lead campaign for crime-free yuletide in Anambra
Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka
The Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), Anambra State Chapter, Friday, led an advocacy walk for a crime-free festive season in the State.
The campaign themed “Promoting Peace, Preventing Crime This Christmas,” was held in collaboration with the Anambra State Police Command, Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN), different youth associations, among many others.
Participants, who converged at the popular Ekwueme Square, matched round major streets of Awka; from the Ekwueme Square through the Onitsha–Enugu Expressway to UNIZIK temp site, Abakaliki street and Roban road. They also matched to the new government house (Light House) before retiring at Ekwueme Square.
Addressing Journalists, POCACOV Anambra Chairman, Hon. Kingsley Ezika, explained that the initiative embodies POCACOV’s foundational values—strategic crime prevention, peace promotion, and the creation of livable communities.
He noted that the campaign aligns with the vision and mission of the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
Hon. Ezika expressed deep appreciation to the Anambra State Police Command for their unwavering support and active involvement. He highlighted that the Command’s commitment and collaboration reaffirm the police’s integral role in community-based security initiatives.
The Chairman, on behalf of POCACOV and Police Command Anambra, also appreciated High Chief Jim Martins Nwabueze, founder of Ichie Akabuike Foundation, for sponsoring the advocacy walk and committing to support the campaign against cultism and other vices in the state.
Earlier, Anambra Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, stressed that addressing cultism and related vices requires tackling their root causes through sustained advocacy, value reorientation, and collaboration with community influencers—a core mandate of POCACOV.
According to him, cultism is worse than kidnapping and armed robbery because cultists often plan to kill, unlike other criminals. He assured that with efforts to curb cultism, Anambra would have a bloodless and peaceful Christmas celebration.
“A cult-free Anambra is possible. On behalf of the government and people of Anambra, and the IGP, I assure you this will be one of the best, bloodless Christmas celebrations we have ever had.
“The time of bloody Christmas is over in Anambra. Cultism is worse than kidnapping and armed robbery. Unlike armed robbers, cultists often plan to kill. Let’s say no to crime and criminality,” he said.
President General of Anambra State Town Unions’ Council, otherwise called ASTUC YOUTH, Comrade Ken Okoli, urged youths to ditch cultism and crime, and leverage opportunities from Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s government.
He said, “This initiative marks a serious push to end cultism. The high level of cultism shows adults haven’t done enough.
“Cultism is the worst crime – it’s about killing people, and life is our most valuable asset. Let’s discourage it. I urge youths to tap into Governor Soludo’s opportunities and be productive.”
