A tragic incident linked to drug abuse has shaken Ugep, headquarters of Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, following the killing of a middle-aged man by his 23-year-old son, identified as Bassey Ubi.
The incident occurred last Sunday at O-3 Palace, Usaja, in Ikpakapit Ward, shortly after the victim returned from church. Fresh details have now confirmed that the young man was under the strong influence of illicit drugs at the time of the attack.
Speaking during plenary at the Cross River State House of Assembly, the lawmaker representing Yakurr State Constituency, Cyril Omini, described the incident as a disturbing reflection of the growing drug crisis among youths in the state. He told the House that the suspect attacked his father with a machete in what he described as a drug-induced state.
Omini warned that drug addiction is fast becoming a major security and social threat, destroying families and communities, and called for urgent action to stem the tide. He urged the State Security Adviser, Major General Okoi Ubi (rtd), to intensify coordinated efforts aimed at flushing out drug dealers and curbing substance abuse across Cross River State.
Read Also:
- Chieftaincy crisis claims 2 lives, destroys property in Cross River Community
- Dispute in Akamkpa as logging activities sparks tension in Cross River community
- Elephant roams near homes in Boki, Cross River State, sparks public concern
Other lawmakers who contributed to the debate echoed similar concerns, calling on relevant authorities, including drug enforcement agencies, to step up surveillance, enforcement and public enlightenment to address the alarming rise in drug-related crimes.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the suspect has been taken into custody and investigations are ongoing.
The killing has sparked outrage and renewed calls for tougher action against drug abuse, with residents and leaders warning that without decisive intervention, more families could be torn apart by similar tragedies.
