Cross River Police Sensitise Schoolgirls on Child Rights, Cultism and Drug Abuse

The Cross River State Police Command has intensified efforts to protect the girl-child through a school outreach programme aimed at educating students on their rights, preventing cultism and discouraging other social vices.

The outreach, organised by the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), was held at Holy Child's Girls Secondary School, Calabar, on Monday, October 12, 2026, as part of activities marking the International Day of the Girl Child.

The programme was implemented by the State POCACOV Coordinator, ASP Isiwu Marvellous, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue.

During the visit, students received sensitisation on the Child Rights Act, particularly their rights to education, dignity and protection from abuse, exploitation and discrimination.

The police also educated the students on the dangers of cultism, drug abuse, negative peer pressure and other social vices, urging them to embrace discipline, build self-confidence and make responsible decisions.

As part of efforts to encourage education, the police distributed exercise books to the students to support their academic activities and promote a positive learning environment.

The Command said the initiative reflects its commitment to preventing crime through public enlightenment, early intervention and constructive engagement with young people, rather than relying solely on law enforcement.

The Commissioner of Police reiterated the Command's commitment to protecting children, promoting safer schools and strengthening collaboration with school authorities, parents, community leaders and other stakeholders.

The police also called on parents, teachers and members of the public to remain vigilant and report cases of child abuse, exploitation, cultism and other criminal activities to the appropriate authorities.

The outreach forms part of the Cross River State Police Command's broader efforts to promote child protection, encourage positive values among young people and prevent crime through community-based policing.