A quiet Sunday ended in tragedy after a 23-year-old man allegedly hacked his father to death shortly after returning from church, leaving residents of a Cross River community in shock.
According to information gathered, the suspect, identified as Bassey Ubi, was said to have attacked his father with a machete under circumstances that remain unclear, turning a routine family setting into a scene of horror.
Moreover, the incident sparked immediate outrage among residents, many of whom struggled to comprehend how a domestic dispute could escalate into a fatal attack. Neighbours reportedly rushed to the scene after hearing distress calls.
However, before the situation could spiral further, security operatives intervened.
The suspect was nearly lynched by an angry mob but was rescued by the police, who swiftly took him into custody.
“This was a highly volatile situation, and our officers acted promptly to prevent further loss of life,” a police source said, stressing that crowd control was critical at the time.
The killing occurred around the O-3 Palace area of Usaja, Ikpakapit Ward, in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, a community now grappling with grief and unanswered questions.
Furthermore, the motive behind the alleged murder has not been established, with investigators focusing on piecing together events leading up to the attack.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the suspect is in custody and will be charged in court after investigations are concluded.
“This is a tragic case, and we are committed to ensuring a thorough investigation so that justice is served,” he said.
Meanwhile, community leaders have called for calm, urging residents to allow law enforcement agencies to handle the matter while supporting the bereaved family during the difficult period.