By Frank Ulom
About 40 youths have renounced their membership in various cult groups, including Vikings, Klans, and Axemen, in Abini Community, Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Converseer reports that the youths who pledged to embrace peaceful and law-abiding lifestyles made the commitment on August 26, 2026, during a sensitisation and engagement programme organised by the Cross River State Police Command in collaboration with the Abini Elites Association (AEA), comprising the Clan Head and Chiefs of Abini Community, and the LauraHope Foundation.
ASP Sunday Eitokpah, spokesperson for the Command, said the breakthrough was achieved through a proactive, community-based crime prevention strategy under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue.
The engagement focused on the dangers of cultism, drug abuse, unlawful possession of firearms and other social vices.
CP Ordue, who was ably represented by the Divisional Police Officer, Yakurr Division, CSP Innocent Ayabotu, conveyed the Command’s position on the need for youths to reject cultism and other forms of criminality, while encouraging them to become positive agents of peace and development within their community.
During the engagement, some of the youths testified that they had been deceived or pressured into joining cult groups.
“They subsequently renounced their membership and pledged to disengage from cult-related activities, support peace and security in Abini Community, and encourage other youths to reject criminal associations,” he said.
The development, according to CSP Ayabotu, reflects CP Ordue’s proactive approach to policing, which places emphasis on crime prevention, community partnership, intelligence gathering and early intervention to address factors that facilitate the recruitment of young people into criminal networks.
“The initiative is also in line with the Command’s DCIIDDT policing framework, particularly its emphasis on intelligence-led and community-oriented policing,” he maintained.
The Commissioner of Police commended the traditional rulers, community leaders, the LauraHope Foundation and the youths for their cooperation and commitment to peace. He stressed that sustainable security requires collective responsibility and strong collaboration between the Police, communities and other stakeholders.
The Command further reassured residents of Cross River State that it will continue to combine intelligence-led enforcement with preventive interventions, strategic community engagement and partnership-driven policing to disrupt criminal activities, protect vulnerable youths and sustain peace and security across the State.