Alleged Drug Addict Kills Father with Machete in Cross River Community
The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 23-year-old man, Bassey Ubi, for the brutal killing of his father with a machete in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area. This shocking incident has sent ripples through the local community, highlighting concerns about substance abuse and domestic violence.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday, February 1, 2026, around O-3 Palace, Usaja in Ikpakapit ward. According to police reports, the victim had just returned from church when he was assaulted by his son inside their family home. The suspect allegedly used a machete to inflict a deep cut on his father's neck, which proved fatal.
ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the Police Public Relations Officer for Cross River State, provided chilling details of the event. "The unfortunate incident occurred in the early hours of today. The boy's name is Bassey Ubi. He is 23 years of age and an alleged drug addict. From what we were told, it's probably the effect of the drugs that made him act that way," Eitokpah stated during his briefing to journalists.
Police Intervention and Medical Response
Following the attack, an angry mob gathered and nearly lynched the suspect before police officers arrived at the scene. The mob had already inflicted injuries on Bassey Ubi when law enforcement intervened to prevent further violence. "If not for the intervention of the police, the suspect would have been killed by the mob," Eitokpah emphasized.
The police spokesperson confirmed that the suspect received immediate medical attention for his injuries before being detained at a police facility for further investigation. Meanwhile, the family of the deceased had already taken the father's body to the morgue in Ugep before police arrival, according to official statements.
Police Warning Against Jungle Justice
ASP Eitokpah used this tragic incident to reiterate the Cross River State Police Command's strong stance against mob justice. Under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Rashid Afegbua, the command is actively campaigning against any form of extrajudicial punishment.
"The Cross River State Police Command, led by CP Rashid Afegbua, is against any form of jungle justice, urging citizens to report or handover suspects to the police," Eitokpah declared. He further emphasized that "jungle justice is a crime and anyone found culpable would be prosecuted accordingly."
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
This violent incident has left the Ugep community in shock, raising questions about drug abuse among youth and family safety. The police investigation continues as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances that led to this tragic father-son confrontation. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences that substance abuse can have on individuals and families.
