Oyo: Police advise students against cultism, drug abuse, child marriage

The Oyo State Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) has called on students to reject cultism, drug abuse, bullying and other criminal behaviours, while urging parents and community leaders to intensify efforts to protect the girl child from child marriage, abuse and exploitation.

The campaign team made the call during sensitisation programmes held at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Maryway, and Islamic High School, Basorun, both in Ibadan, to mark the International Day of the Girl Child and promote positive values among young people.

Speaking at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School on Friday, the Oyo State POCACOV Coordinator, ASP Mary Ayisha Eriaremhien, stressed the need to end child marriage and invest in the rights, education and development of girls.

She said the theme of the celebration, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” highlighted the need to ensure that every girl had access to quality education, a safe environment and opportunities to realise her full potential.

Eriaremhien warned that child marriage could deprive girls of educational opportunities, expose them to health risks and prevent them from achieving their aspirations.

She described the practice as a child-protection issue that required the collective efforts of parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, teachers, government agencies, civil society organisations and security operatives.

The Coordinator urged stakeholders to challenge harmful cultural practices, encourage girls to remain in school and protect children from abuse, exploitation and other forms of violence.

At Islamic High School, Basorun, she cautioned students against cultism, bullying, drug abuse, stealing, examination malpractice, sexual harassment and violence, noting that involvement in such activities could undermine their education and jeopardise their future.

She advised the students to resist negative peer pressure, choose their friends wisely and seek assistance from trusted parents, teachers, school counsellors or relevant authorities whenever they encountered difficulties.

She also encouraged them to treat others with respect, refrain from online harassment and promptly report cases of bullying, threats and abuse.

The Oyo POCACOV team urged schools, families and communities to provide supportive and secure environments where students could develop positive values and report threats without intimidation or fear.

Eriaremhien added that sustained investment in girls’ education, healthcare, mentorship and life skills was essential to building a society where young people could thrive and enjoy equal opportunities.

Also speaking, the Commander of the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Oyo State Police Command, CSP Abiodun Giwa, advised students to report any attempt to coerce them into joining unlawful groups to their parents or guardians, school authorities or security agencies.

Giwa warned that criminal activities offered no lasting benefits and urged the students to embrace discipline, make responsible decisions and avoid actions that could destroy their future.

A student of Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Isaac Blessing, commended the Oyo POCACOV team for the programme, saying it had enlightened students on the dangers of cultism and the appropriate channels for seeking help when faced with challenges.

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She also praised the team for celebrating the girl child and encouraging girls to recognise their potential, speak out against abuse and defend their rights, while praying for God’s continued protection and strength for the officers.

Other Oyo State POCACOV team members at the programme included the state Chairman, Dr Abraham Adeoye; Ambassador Daniel Osita; Public Relations Officer, Mr Odedele Olakunle; Inspector Esther Ahmed; Inspector Samson Oduola; and PC Oluwatoyin Joseph.

Also present were the principals of Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School and Islamic High School, Mrs Ajoke Aguda and Mr Fasasi Abdullahi Babatunde, respectively, as well as teachers from both schools.