Police Campaign Against Cultism and other Social Vices (POCACOV) was on Thursday, April 1, 2021, launched by the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State Command, Hakeem Odumosu, at the Parade Ground, Police College, Ikeja.
The occasion was graced by dignitaries who joined the police commissioner, while the event was chaired by His Excellency, Ambassador Aminu Wisdom.
Speaking at the occasion, the National Coordinator, POCACOV, CSP Ebere Amarizu gave a brief on the establishment, duties and achievements of the unit, just as he encouraged youths and all the stakeholders to support the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, on the fight against cultism and other social vices across the country.
The coordinator promised that the campaign would be launched and spread across the states of the federation.
In his remarks, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr Mobolaji Gaji, expressed appreciation towards the Inspector-General of Police, the Lagos State Police Command and the organisers of the event, for initiating such a laudable campaign structure against cultism and social vices.
The governor assured the police of adequate support towards maintenance of law and order, and combating crime and criminality in the state.
Also commending the IGP for the establishment of the unit, the state police boss gave kudos to state government and residents for providing necessary things and legal framework to the police to fight against cultism in the state.
He noted that the new Lagos State Anti-Cultism Law, 2021, had been fully implemented, making reference to the 60 suspected cultists that were charged to the Chief Magistrate’s Court, Yaba, on Wednesday, March 31.
He added that many cultists would still be apprehended and prosecuted with the ambits of the law.
At the event, stakeholders, such as the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Gbolahan Lawal, represented by retired CSP Fisayo Ishola; Chief Imam of Lagos State and the State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, appreciated the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force for their efforts towards combating crime and criminality
in the state and beyond.
They promised to contribute their quota to the fight against cultism, rape, gangsterism, hooliganism etc, which must be totally eradicated for peace to reign in our land.
Other dignitaries that were present at the event included the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Onikan-Lagos, Ahmed Iliyasu; the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Right Honourable Mudashir Obasa, represented by Hon. Setonji David; religious leaders, youths, students, heads of the armed forces and other security agencies in the state, senior police officers and the chairman, Police Community Relations Committee, Lagos State, Apostle Kehinde Showemimo.
