- Chaos as Cultists Open Fire, Kill Community Head’s Son During Father’s Funeral
- The violent attack sparked panic and outrage among residents
- Obono Obla noted that several towns in Yakurr LGA have witnessed a surge in drug related and cult related violence in recent months
Ekori, a community in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, has been thrown into turmoil following the killing of one Sampson Udo during the funeral wake keep of his late father, who was the community head.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the incident occurred on Friday night when a group of suspected cultists, allegedly under the influence of drugs, opened fire at the wake keep venue, killing Sampson on the spot.
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The violent attack sparked panic and outrage among residents, who described the killing as senseless and tragic.
A traditional ruler in Ugep and former presidential aide, Chief Okoi Obono Obla, confirmed the incident saying there was serious tension in the community.
“There is serious tension in the community,” he said. “If nothing is done urgently, the situation may escalate into a bloody conflict as rival gangs are already preparing for confrontation.”
Obono Obla noted that several towns in Yakurr LGA, including Ugep, have witnessed a surge in drug related and cult related violence in recent months, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.
He called on security agencies, community leaders, and peace advocates to intervene before the situation deteriorates further.
“About two months ago, I raised petitions to the Inspector General of Police, the National Security Adviser, and the Department of State Services on the worsening security crisis in Yakurr,” the monarch said. “It breaks my heart to see what Yakurr has become. For years, I’ve spoken up about the social decay caused by corrupt politicians, misguided leaders, and disoriented youths.”
Reacting to the killing, a former Special Assistant to ex Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Philip Obin, described the incident as heartbreaking and a call for urgent action.
“The killing is deeply saddening,” Obin said. “Yakurr has always been known for its strong communal spirit, and it’s painful to see it drifting this way. The loss of young Sampson is not just a family tragedy but a wake up call to all of us. Our people deserve peace and purposeful leadership, not fear and division.”
He urged government authorities, traditional rulers, and security agencies to step in immediately to restore peace and rebuild Yakurr’s unity and moral fabric.
As of press time, efforts to reach the Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area, Yibala Igiri Inyang, and the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Igri Ewa, were unsuccessful, as they were yet to respond to inquiries on the development.
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