Concerns on Friday arose over a viral video circulating on social media platforms, showing a group of young boys engaging in a cult initiation ceremony involving a minor.

The video showed the minor with his face covered with a red cloth, while some liquid, apparently mixed with the blood gushing from one of his fingers, was being administered to him by another young boy.

Those who reacted to the video estimated the minor?s age to be four or five years.

The Police in Anambra State, which confirmed the circulation of the video, has called on residents to assist by providing information that could lead to the identification of the persons involved in the act.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, described the video as ?disturbing?.

He stated that a preliminary review of the footage suggests that the incident may have taken place within a community in the state, adding that the acts portrayed in the video are not only criminal but deeply offensive to public morals, safety, and the protection of minors, who remain one of the most vulnerable groups in society.

Ikenga stated that, consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

?He has also directed specialized operatives of the Anti-Cultism Squad, Juvenile Welfare Unit, and the State Intelligence Department to work collaboratively to verify the authenticity and origin of the video, identify the victim and ensure his safety and wellbeing, identify and apprehend all individuals involved or complicit in the act?, he disclosed

He added that the commissioner condemned in strong terms any form of child abuse, indoctrination, harassment, psychological grooming, or forced initiation, stating that such acts would not be tolerated under any circumstances in the State.

?He therefore called on any member of the public with credible information that can assist the ongoing investigation to come forward. Voluntary information may also be reported through the following contact channels 112, 07039194332, or the PRO on 08039334002.

?The command has further assured that the identity of informants will be protected and all reports treated with utmost confidentiality?, and further assured of commitment to protecting children, combating cultism, and enforcing the law decisively to ensure safety and peace.

Back in June, gunfire broke out late night in Oko community, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria, leaving several people dead and others injured in what police have described as a cult-related clash. The incident, which occurred near Federal Polytechnic Oko, sparked panic across the community, with residents fleeing to safety.

According to a report by BBC News Pidgin, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed in a statement that the violence stemmed from a cult confrontation and resulted in two deaths. However, eyewitnesses and local sources reported a higher death toll, with some saying as many as five or more people were killed in the attack.

Videos appeared to show at least seven individuals lying motionless on the ground with visible injuries consistent with gunshot wounds. The footage circulated widely on social media, adding to concerns over growing insecurity in the region. (The Guardian, but headline rejigged)

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