A quiet community in Delta State has been thrown into shock and mourning following a disturbing incident in which a man allegedly set his aged father on fire in Oghior Community, Udu Local Government Area.
The suspect, identified as Saturday Okutu, is accused of killing his father, Pa Chicago Okutu, during a violent confrontation said to have occurred under the influence of hard drugs.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the incident followed a heated altercation within the family home. A community source who witnessed the episode said the suspect had allegedly taken a hard substance popularly known on the streets as Colorado before the confrontation escalated.
Residents said the situation quickly turned violent, ending with the house being set ablaze. The elderly man was unable to escape and died in the fire, leaving the community devastated.
The incident has reignited fears over the growing abuse of hard drugs among young people in rural and semi-urban communities across Delta State. Many residents described the act as senseless and tragic, warning that unchecked drug abuse continues to pose a serious threat to families and public safety.
The immediate past President General of Oghior Community, Moses Uchere Esq, condemned the killing in strong terms. Speaking to The Trumpet Newspaper, he called for urgent action against drug abuse and stressed the need for sustained awareness campaigns to prevent similar tragedies.
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“This is a painful loss that should never have happened,” Uchere said. “Drug abuse is destroying lives and families, and authorities must act decisively to stop this growing menace.”
Community leaders have reportedly commenced internal efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident as more details continue to emerge.
When contacted, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said he would provide an update on the matter. However, as of press time, no official police statement had been issued.
The tragedy has left Oghior Community in grief, with residents calling for justice for the deceased and stronger measures to curb drug-related violence in Delta State.
