Police urge Ekiti youths to shun thuggery

The Ekiti State Police Command has called on youths in the state to refrain from engaging in political and digital thuggery, violence, cultism, cybercrime, and hate speech, cautioning that such actions could jeopardize their future. This directive was issued in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abutu Sunday, during the commemoration of the 2026 International Youth Day, themed "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations".

The three-day event, scheduled for August 20 to 22, 2026, aims to enhance police-youth engagement and motivate young people to contribute positively towards peace, security, and community development. In line with the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu's vision, the celebration will feature a series of activities, including a youth awareness walkathon on August 20, a tree-planting exercise on August 21, and the official launch of the National Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery on August 22.

The command is urging young people to reject activities that could undermine their future, instead encouraging them to channel their energies and talents into productive pursuits such as education, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports, and other positive endeavors.