Cross River: Police move against cultism, campus violence
The Cross River State Police Command is set to implement the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) as part of an initiative to address issues related to cultism, violence, drug abuse, and other criminal activities on campus.
Commissioner of Police Ajo Geoffrey Ordue announced the plan during a meeting with UNICAL Vice Chancellor Prof. Offiong Offiong and members of his management team at the police headquarters in Calabar.
“This initiative aims to create a proactive platform for sensitization, intelligence gathering, and engagement with students and young individuals to prevent crime and associated social vices,” Ordue stated.
He emphasized the importance of increased youth engagement leading up to the upcoming elections, cautioning against political thuggery, online incitement, and other types of violence driven by youth.
Ordue noted that the police command will continue to adopt community policing and intelligence-led strategies in collaboration with educational institutions to safeguard lives and property. He also highlighted the necessity of early intervention and ongoing partnerships between university authorities, students, and law enforcement to tackle emerging security challenges.
Prof. Offiong acknowledged the university’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with the police, particularly in the fight against cultism, violence, and other threats to security. He assured that UNICAL would continue to work alongside security agencies to protect students, staff, and the broader university community, ensuring a safe environment for teaching, learning, and research.
In related news, the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) recently completed a two-week training program for prospective security personnel aimed at bolstering security across its campuses. The training, organized in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force through the university’s Internal Security Unit, included physical fitness drills, medical assessments, security education, and public relations training.
Candidates were evaluated on their discipline and readiness for campus security roles, while the public relations segment emphasized professional engagement with students, staff, and local communities.
UNICROSS stated that only those candidates meeting the prescribed physical, medical, security, and examination criteria will be selected for positions. Prof. Francisca Bassey, the Vice Chancellor, oversaw the training, with Superintendent Iwara Ibiang (rtd) coordinating the activities. The recruitment initiative aims to enhance security measures to support teaching, learning, research, and other university functions.
