…launches POCACOV office

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Benue State Police Command has intensified its engagement with young people in the state, launching a fresh campaign against cultism, violence, drug abuse and other forms of criminality as part of activities marking the 2026 National Youth Day.

The initiative was unveiled during a stakeholders’ youth dialogue organised by the Command, which brought together representatives of student unions, youth associations and other youth-focused organisations across the state.

The engagement also featured the kick-start of the Office of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) in Benue, designed to deepen advocacy and sensitisation among young people.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, disclosed this in a statement issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu.

Aondongu said the dialogue provided an avenue for the Police and youths to openly discuss issues affecting their safety and wellbeing, as well as ways of strengthening their role in promoting peaceful communities.

He said discussions focused on discouraging electoral thuggery, cultism, cyberbullying, drug and substance abuse, violence and other criminal activities that could exploit young people or undermine security in the state.

The Commissioner of Police urged youths to reject violence and criminal associations, stressing that they remained critical partners in maintaining peace and security across Benue.

Nwadiogbu also charged them to use social media and other digital platforms responsibly and channel their energy and talents towards productive activities that would contribute to the development of the state.

According to him, the newly established POCACOV office would sustain regular engagements with schools, student unions, youth organisations and other stakeholders to promote peace, responsible citizenship and crime prevention.

The Command further assured that it would continue to build partnerships with youth groups across the state, while appreciating participants at the dialogue for their contributions and commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence.