By Kelvin Ololo
Growing concerns over gangsterism and the proliferation of illegal arms among young people have prompted a renewed and coordinated response in Cross River State, as government and security agencies step up efforts to safeguard the future of youths and restore public safety.
Experts warn that the rising involvement of youths in gang-related activities continues to threaten the social fabric of developing societies, fueling violence, drug abuse, and criminal networks. In Cross River, stakeholders fear that without urgent intervention, more young people could be drawn into cycles of crime, undermining both security and long-term development.
Gangsterism also known as cultism often driven by peer pressure, unemployment, and lack of mentorship, has extended beyond academic institutions into communities, with consequences ranging from loss of lives and disrupted education to the erosion of moral values.
It is against this backdrop that the Cross River State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to preventive strategies, throwing its weight behind the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV).
The Commissioner for Youth Development, Ijom Ukam, pledged full support for the initiative following a courtesy visit by its National Coordinator, Orvenonne Ikwen, during a two-day working visit to the state.
Ukam described the engagement as timely, stressing that tackling cultism and related vices requires a collective effort focused on mentorship, value reorientation, and youth engagement. He revealed plans to integrate POCACOV into the State Committee on Drug and Anti-Vices to strengthen coordinated interventions.
He commended the Nigeria Police Force for adopting a non-kinetic approach that prioritizes prevention over enforcement, noting that such strategies are key to redirecting young people toward productive paths.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the initiative aligns with the broader vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, which emphasizes community partnership and proactive policing.
In a related development, underscoring ongoing security concerns, the Cross River State Police Command confirmed the arrest of a 34-year-old suspect, Ukong Abraham, for unlawful possession of a firearm in Ikom Local Government Area.
The arrest followed a complaint of assault lodged by a 22-year-old woman, after which police operatives moved to invite the suspect for questioning.
Police Authority said he attempted to flee upon sighting officers but was later apprehended through an intelligence led operation.
A search conducted during interrogation led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, raising further concerns about the circulation of illegal weapons within communities.
Police say the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue to determine the extent of his activities and any possible links to broader criminal networks.
The Command reiterated its commitment to tackling the proliferation of illegal arms and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
Observers note that the dual approach combining preventive youth engagement with firm law enforcement signals a more comprehensive strategy to address the root causes and manifestations of crime in the state, particularly among young people.
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