Peace Corps to sensitize Anambra students on the dangers of cultism

The Nigeria Peace Corps on Wednesday pledged to stamp out cultism and other social vices in secondary schools and tertiary institutions in Anambra.

Mr Chibuzo Okpokwasili, the Anambra Commandant of the Corps, made the pledge in an interview with newsmen in Awka on Wednesday.

Okpokwesili expressed concern at the growing spate of cultism in the state, noting that many youths involved in the practice, were either languishing in detention or had died.

“Our responsibility as Peace Corps will be to go to schools to sensitise students on the dangers and arrest cult members in a bid to re-focus people’s minds from negative to positive.

“We are going to carry what is more than arms, which is innovation, motivation and technology that will help to checkmate their activities.”

The commandant said the corps would complement the efforts of the Police, Army, Civil Defence and other security agencies in the fight against other crimes in the state.

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According to him, the corps is not seeking to rival any security agency, but only to assist through distinct roles outlined in the Statute.

“Our objective is to ensure that we have a secure, peaceful country and which is why the Peace Corps has keyed into the fight against insurgency.

“We are here to support the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and they must be commended for the good work they have been doing.

“Currently, the security in the state is one of the best in the country. Ours is just to complement the efforts.”

He urged President Muhammadu Buhari to assent to the Peace Corps Bill, to enable the agency to work effectively.