Police: How to know if your kids may have joined cult

The Anambra state police command has outlined some behavioural changes that may indicate whether a child may have joined a cult group.

The police recently launched an anti-cult campaign following the recent cult-related attacks and killings in Awka, the state’s capital.

In a statement, Tochukwu Ikenga, the state’s police spokesperson, said the campaign aimed to help maximise the potential of young Nigerians.

“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,” he said

“The Anambra Police Command shall sustain the fight against crime in the state through the advocacy platform of Police Campaign Against Cultism & Other Vices.”

Ikenga also highlighted some of the attitudinal patterns a child might exhibit in such situations and they include:

1. Sudden changes in personality, for example, a person known to be an extrovert suddenly becomes introverted or vice-versa.

2. Asking questions or engaging in conversations with people and seeking their validation or justification for gangs or groups.

3. Suddenly being afraid and fascinated with or bearing weapons.

4. Sudden urge to seek justice through self-help and making open or subtle threats about avenging a rift.

5. Resorting to the use of drugs and alcohol to get intoxicated, pains, and succumbing to peer pressure.

6. Suddenly staying away from home for days and staying late at night.

7. 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.

8. When your child becomes so interested in a group of friends especially with particular identification like colour, handshakes and hanging out.