The fight against cultism in Cross River State has received a significant boost as more than 40 youths in Abini Community, Biase Local Government Area, have renounced their alleged links with the Vikings, Klans, and Axemen cult groups.
The youths announced their decision during a community sensitisation programme organised by the Cross River State Police Command in collaboration with the Abini Elites Association and LauraHope Foundation.
The August 26, 2026, programme brought together police personnel, traditional rulers, community leaders, and youths to discuss the dangers of cultism, drug abuse, illegal firearms possession, and other social vices.
Police Urge Youths to Embrace Peace
Representing the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, the Divisional Police Officer of Yakurr Division, CSP Innocent Ayabotu, urged the youths to abandon criminal associations and channel their energy towards the development of their community.
“The youths must reject cultism and other forms of criminality and become positive agents of peace and development within their community,” CSP Ayabotu stated.
The interaction became emotional when some of the youths reportedly recounted how deception and pressure had pushed them into cult associations. They subsequently renounced their membership and pledged to stay away from cult activities, promote peace and security, and persuade other youths not to follow the same path.
Community-Based Policing Yields Results
The police described the development as a product of proactive and community-based policing, stressing that preventing young people from entering criminal networks is as important as arresting offenders.
Commissioner Ajo Geoffrey Ordue praised the community leaders, traditional rulers, LauraHope Foundation, and the youths for their cooperation, emphasising that security must be jointly pursued by law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
“Sustainable security requires collective responsibility and strong collaboration between the Police, communities, and other stakeholders,” CP Ordue disclosed.
Command Vows to Sustain Momentum
The Police Command said it would sustain intelligence-led enforcement, community engagement, and preventive interventions to disrupt cult recruitment, protect vulnerable youths, and strengthen peace across Cross River State.
The Command also reiterated its commitment to working with traditional institutions, community leaders, and civil society organisations to address the root causes of cultism and youth involvement in criminal activities.
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