The police in Anambra State, South-east Nigeria, have highlighted some behavioural changes that could indicate if a child has joined or is likely to join a cult group.
They noted that understudying such behaviours is key to understanding and guiding children from either joining or continuing as a cultist.
The police spokesperson in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, gave the hints in a statement as part of an anti-cult campaign by the police command in the state. He released the statement on Monday.
The anti-cult campaign by the police in Anambra State apparently follows the recent cult-related attacks and killings in Awka, the state capital.
Why the campaign
Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, explained that the police authorities in the state decided to embark on the campaign to help young Nigerians realise their potentials.
“It is a known fact that Nigeria is blessed with vibrant, energetic, and enterprising people full of potential.
“The potential can only be fully realised in a peaceful, secure environment. The Anambra Police Command shall sustain the fight against crime in the state through the advocacy platform of Police Campaign Against Cultism & Other Vices,” he said.
Behavioural changes to watch out for
The police spokesperson highlighted the following as behavioural changes to watch out for in a child:
- Sudden changes in personality. For example, a person known to be an extrovert suddenly becomes introverted or vice-versa.
- Asking questions or engaging in conversations with people and seeking their validation or justification for gangs or groups.
- Suddenly being afraid and fascinated with or bearing weapons.
- Sudden urge to seek justice through self-help and making open or subtle threats about avenging a rift.
- Resort to the use of drugs and alcohol to get intoxicated, pains, and succumbing to peer pressure.
- Suddenly staying away from home for days and staying late at night.
- When your child is always on a longer call than necessary and surfing the internet in search of ways to cause pain to other people.
- When your child becomes so interested in a group of friends especially with particular identification like colour, handshakes and hanging out.
