70% individuals involved in cultism, drug abuse originates from neglectful backgrounds, Group declares, launches Senior Secondary mentorship programme in Delta

A group, Initiative For Social Rights Concerns and Advancements (ISRCA) A.k.a, "No Justice, No Peace" today said more than 70% individuals involved in cultism and drug abuse often originated from dysfunctional or neglectful backgrounds. ISRCA said this after it launched a public Senior Secondary School mentorship outreach program focused on cultism and drug abuse across various Local Government Areas in Delta State on March 9th, 2026.

In a statement by ISRCA National Coordinator, National Coordinator, Comrade (Amb) Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen said this  underscore that prevention begins within the family unit, whereas community-based interventions facilitate the rehabilitation and safeguarding of young people.

The group urged parents to inculcate moral values in their children, foster a secured home environment as well as vigilantly oversee their children's friendships and social interactions. 

According to the group, this will establish a robust, trusting relationship that encourages open communication."

The group on March 9th, 2026, launched a public Senior Secondary School mentorship outreach program focused on cultism and drug abuse across various local government areas in Delta State. 

The inaugural session of the launch took place at Alegbo Secondary School in Uvwie Local Government Area.

The exercise was led by the National Coordinator, Comr. (Amb) Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen.

The exercise ighlighted concerns regarding the widespread detrimental impact on young people and recent cult-related violence in the area, necessitating a renewed focus on addressing these pressing issues at the grassroots level, given the incidents in recent years that prompted these awareness campaigns.

The group also conducted site visits to Nana College in Warri South Local Government Area on March 13 and Otokutu Secondary School in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State on March 16. 

The National Coordinator emphasized that the initiative will be a recurring exercise, with the organization's objective being to visit all 25 Local Government Areas of Delta State in rotation to address issues that have evolved into challenges within contemporary society.

The group also noted that a substantial number of secondary school students have thus far demonstrated an ability to identify various abused substances, underscoring the stark reality that children are exposed to more than is often perceived. 

"Consequently, it is essential that parents, guardians, educators, and community leaders do more than provide basic necessities; they must also offer guidance, engage in active listening, and remain involved in children's lives, as neglecting these responsibilities can lead to detrimental influences.

The group also asserted that,"cultism and drug abuse present formidable dangers to both individuals and society, precipitating calamitous outcomes such as premature mortality, academic underachievement, psychological disorders, and widespread criminality, with cultism and substance abuse reciprocally fueling each other, thereby generating a vicious cycle of violence and self-annihilation."

It pointed out that,the prevalence of cultism and drug abuse among secondary school students within Nigerian educational settings necessitates intervention from both parental figures and the community at large, given its characterization as a societal issue.

The group further emphasized that combating cultism and drug abuse necessitates a multifaceted approach, wherein parents serve as the primary defense line through responsible upbringing and vigilant monitoring, while the society offers systemic support, awareness initiatives, and enforcement mechanisms.