The youths from Abini Community in Biase LGA renounced membership of the Vikings, Klans and Axemen cult groups during a police-led sensitisation programme aimed at preventing crime and youth recruitment into criminal networks.

About 40 youths in Abini Community, Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State, have renounced their membership of the Vikings, Klans and Axemen cult groups and pledged to embrace peaceful and law-abiding lifestyles.

The youths 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, which comprises the community’s Clan Head and other chiefs.

The programme was aimed at addressing the dangers of cultism and other forms of criminality while encouraging young people to contribute positively to the security and development of their community.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Calabar.

He said the initiative was part of the proactive, community-based policing strategy of the Commissioner of Police, Ajo-Geoffrey Ordue, to prevent crime and discourage the recruitment of youths into criminal networks.

According to the statement, participants were sensitised on the dangers associated with cultism, drug abuse, unlawful possession of firearms and other social vices capable of threatening peace and security in the community.

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 agents of peace, development and positive change.

The Commissioner also commended the traditional rulers, community leaders, LauraHope Foundation and the youths for their cooperation and commitment to the initiative.

He stressed that sustainable security could only be achieved through collective responsibility involving the police, traditional institutions, community leaders, young people and other stakeholders.

Ordue said the development further demonstrated the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, early intervention and sustained engagement with communities.

The Cross River State Police Command assured residents that it would continue to combine intelligence-led enforcement with preventive measures and partnership-driven policing.

The command said the approach was aimed at disrupting criminal activities, protecting vulnerable youths from recruitment into criminal groups and sustaining peace across the state.