Tragedy struck Ugep, in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, on Sunday when a 23-year-old man, identified as Bassey Ubi, allegedly killed his father by slitting his throat with a machete.
The shocking incident occurred around O3 Palace, Usaja, in Ikpakapit Ward, shortly after the deceased reportedly returned home from church. Eyewitnesses said the attack was sudden and brutal, resulting in a deep machete wound to the neck that killed the victim instantly.
Residents, enraged by the gruesome act, attempted to lynch the suspect before the arrival of the police, who quickly intervened and rescued him from the mob.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said preliminary investigations suggest the suspect was under the influence of hard drugs.
“The unfortunate incident occurred in the early hours of today. The suspect, Bassey Ubi, aged 23, is believed to be a drug addict. From the information available, he likely acted under the influence of drugs,” Eitokpah said.
He explained that the deceased had just returned from church when his son attacked him inside their residence.
“It was a deep machete cut to the neck inflicted by the son on his father,” the police spokesperson added.
Eitokpah further disclosed that the suspect sustained injuries from the mob before being taken for medical treatment and subsequently detained for further investigation.
“If not for the timely intervention of the police, the suspect would have been killed. He was first treated for his injuries and later placed in custody,” he noted.
The PPRO confirmed that the deceased’s body was taken to the morgue in Ugep by family members before the police arrived.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Afegbua, strongly condemned the act of jungle justice, warning that it remains a criminal offence.
“We urge members of the public to report all suspected criminal activities to the police. Jungle justice is unlawful, and anyone caught engaging in it will face prosecution,” Eitokpah cautioned.
The incident has thrown the Ugep community into mourning, with residents describing the event as one of the most disturbing crimes in recent memory.
