About 40 youths in Abini Community, Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State, have renounced cultism and pledged to embrace peaceful and lawful lifestyles.
The youths, who were linked to the Vikings, Klans and Axemen cult groups, made the commitment during a sensitisation and engagement programme held on August 26, 2026.
The programme was organised by the Cross River State Police Command in collaboration with the Abini Elites Association, traditional leaders and chiefs of the community, as well as the LauraHope Foundation.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Cross River, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the development in a statement issued to journalists in Calabar.
According to him, the programme was part of the proactive community-based crime prevention strategy of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo-Geoffrey Ordue.
The police engagement focused on the dangers of cultism, drug abuse, illegal possession of firearms and other social vices affecting young people.
Ordue, who was represented at the event by the Divisional Police Officer of Yakurr Division, CSP Innocent Ayabotu, urged the youths to reject criminal activities and become positive contributors to the growth and development of their community.
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The Commissioner said the police were committed to tackling factors that expose young people to recruitment into criminal groups through intelligence gathering, early intervention and closer cooperation with communities.
He commended the traditional rulers, community leaders, the LauraHope Foundation and the youths for their cooperation during the programme.
The police command also assured residents that it would continue to combine enforcement, community engagement and preventive measures to fight crime and maintain peace across Cross River State.
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