By Karen James
In a concerted effort to combat the menace of cultism in Anambra State, the Command has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing its prevalence to the barest minimum. With the alarming rise in cult activities across the state, it has become crucial to address the root causes of why individuals join these dangerous groups.
One of the major influences on young people’s participation in cult activities is their parental and home background. Research has shown that children are more likely to engage in cultism if their parents are involved in similar activities. This highlights the need for parents to actively discourage and educate their children about the dangers associated with cultism.
Societal decay is another contributing factor to the surge in cult activities. The mad rush for wealth and power has created an environment where some individuals resort to joining cult groups as a means to achieve their goals. The desire for material wealth often outweighs the importance of moral values, leading young people astray.
Emotional sickness is also a significant factor that drives individuals to join cult groups. Depressed and frustrated with life, some individuals seek to express their anger against perceived neglect by joining cult groups. These individuals then unleash terror on society as a way of retaliating against the emotional pain they have experienced.
Peer group influence plays a crucial role in motivating young people to become cultists. Many students have become cult members due to the persuasion of their friends. Peer pressure and the desire to fit into a certain group can be powerful motivators, leading young people down a dangerous path.
An additional factor contributing to the persistence of cultism is the support from highly placed individuals in society. Some influential figures and officials in institutions act as grand patrons to cult groups and even sponsor their activities. These student cultists are then utilized to target and harm members of the community for selfish reasons.
Inadequate religious and moral education also contributes to the prevalence of cultism. Some parents, driven by the pursuit of material wealth, neglect their responsibilities in morally upbringing their children. Lack of interest in their children’s education and failure to attend parents’ forums and meetings deprive young people of the necessary guidance they need to make informed decisions.
To address these challenges, the Anambra State Police Command has launched an aggressive campaign against cultism and other vices through the Police Campaign Against Cultism & Other Vices (POCACOV) initiative. This advocacy aims to educate the public, particularly parents, on the dangers of cultism and the importance of providing moral guidance to young people.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, has sent out information to all newsmen regarding the Command’s efforts in combating cultism. The Command calls on all stakeholders, including parents, educators, and members of the community, to join hands in eradicating this dangerous menace and creating a safer society for all.
