Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka
The Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), Anambra State Chapter, has issued a stern warning to cultists and other criminals to desist from operating in the state, as security agencies intensify efforts to ensure zero criminality during and after the Christmas celebrations.
The warning was issued during an advocacy walk themed “Promoting Peace, Preventing Crime This Christmas,” organised in collaboration with the Anambra State Police Command, the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN), youth associations and other stakeholders.
Participants converged at Ekwueme Square, Awka, and marched through major streets of the state capital, including the Ekwueme Square–Onitsha–Enugu Expressway axis, UNIZIK Temporary Site, Abakaliki Street and Roban Road, before proceeding to the new Government House (Light House) and returning to Ekwueme Square.
Addressing journalists, the Anambra State Chairman of POCACOV, Hon. Kingsley Ezika, said the group, in partnership with the police, was determined to guarantee a crime-free Christmas and New Year, stressing that collective responsibility was key to curbing criminality in the state.
According to him, the initiative reflects POCACOV’s core values of strategic crime prevention, peace promotion and the creation of safe and livable communities.
Ezika 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. He expressed appreciation to the Anambra State Police Command for its unwavering support and active participation, describing the Command’s commitment as a testament to the police’s central role in community-based security initiatives.
On behalf of POCACOV and the Anambra Police Command, Ezika also commended High Chief Jim Martins Nwabueze, founder of the Ichie Akabuike Foundation, for sponsoring the advocacy walk and pledging continued support for the fight against cultism and other vices in the state.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, said tackling cultism and related crimes requires addressing their root causes through sustained advocacy, value reorientation and collaboration with community leaders—key components of POCACOV’s mandate.
He described cultism as more dangerous than kidnapping and armed robbery, noting that cultists often plan to kill, unlike other categories of criminals. He assured residents that ongoing efforts would guarantee a peaceful and bloodless Christmas in the state.
“A cult-free Anambra is possible. On behalf of the government and people of Anambra State, and the IGP, I assure you that this will be one of the most peaceful Christmas celebrations we have ever had.
“The era of bloody Christmas is over in Anambra. Cultism is worse than kidnapping and armed robbery. Unlike armed robbers, cultists often plan to kill. Let us all say no to crime and criminality,” he said.
Also speaking, the President-General of the Anambra State Town Unions’ Council Youth Wing (ASTUC Youth), Comrade Ken Okoli, urged young people to shun cultism and criminal activities and take advantage of opportunities provided by the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
“This initiative marks a serious push to end cultism. The high prevalence of cultism shows that adults have not done enough.
“Cultism is the worst form of crime because it is about killing. Life is our most valuable asset. I urge youths to reject cultism, embrace productivity and tap into the opportunities created by Governor Soludo’s government,” Okoli said.
