Police launch campaign in Sokoto to tackle cultism, drug abuse, other vices
Police launch campaign in Sokoto to tackle cultism, drug abuse, other vices
From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto_
The Sokoto State Police Command has officially launched the Sokoto State Chapter of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) as part of efforts to strengthen community participation, youth engagement and preventive policing across the state.
The launch ceremony, held at the Command’s Auditorium, was presided over by the Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa and his management team.
The event was attended by three District Heads representing the three senatorial districts of Sokoto State on behalf of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
Other participants inclu representatives of other security organisations such as the DSS, NDLEA and NSCDC, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), youth groups, traditional and religious leaders, market and traders’ associations, commercial motorcycle operators, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Executive Director of HCOMDI, philanthropists and other critical stakeholders.
In his address, CP Shaffa charged members of the newly inaugurated state chapter to remain committed, proactive and diligent in advancing the objectives of POCACOV.
He highlighted the three pillars underpinning the initiative as public enlightenment to raise awareness about the dangers of cultism and other social vices, community engagement to promote collective responsibility in preventing crime at the grassroots, and positive youth development and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to empower young people to make responsible choices.
The Commissioner called on members of the public to embrace the preventive approach and assured the chapter of the Command’s full support.
Members inaugurated include ASP Ibrahim Mustapha Muhammad as State Coordinator, Abubakar Magaji Yabo as State Chairman, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i as State Technical Advisor, CSP Kabiru Ahmad as Legal Advisor, Kabiru Muhammad Mahe as Secretary-General, Saidat Hussaini as Organising Secretary, Maryam Abubakar Binji as GBV Officer, and Khadija Raji Abdullahi as MHPSS Officer.
Others are Abdulrazaq Shehu, Ibrahim M. Gada, Kabiru Garba, Bashar Gandi, Comrade Hussaini Muhammad, Sakina Ahmad, Alhaji Nura Attajiri as Patron, Lawal Ahmad and Abdulkarim Abdul.
The District Heads of Binji, Gandi and Ungushi were also included as Zonal Focal Persons for Sokoto Central, East and South senatorial districts.
In his remarks, the State Chairman, Abubakar Magaji Yabo, expressed appreciation to the Commissioner of Police for his leadership and approval for the formal inauguration, and acknowledged the support of all stakeholders.
He emphasised that POCACOV is a preventive initiative designed to discourage cultism, drug abuse, youth violence and other social vices through public enlightenment, community engagement, positive youth development and collaboration.
The Chairman stressed that challenges confronting young people, including drug abuse, cultism, political thuggery, cybercrime and the dangerous pursuit of quick wealth, cannot be addressed by the Police alone, but require a coordinated response involving government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, parents, schools, businesses, CSOs and young people themselves.
He said the success of the initiative will depend on the commitment of the Police, the inaugurated members and the active participation of communities, families and institutions across the state.
“Together, let us prevent crime before it happens, protect our youths and secure the future of Sokoto State,” he added.
