Youth’s alleged killing leads to family head’s death in Cross River community

A tragic incident unfolded in Bebuatswan village, Obudu LGA, Cross River State, where Adie Ungwugwaye, the family head, was shot dead by young men claiming to be leaders of Ipong Youths Council. The incident occurred on a Sunday afternoon.

The youth leaders alleged that the elders, including Adie Ungwugwaye, were responsible for the death of a young man named Richard Unimke from the same community. According to reports, Richard Unimke collided with a herd of cattle while riding his bike in his neighborhood on July 31, 2023. He was rushed to a nearby private hospital, discharged after some days, but his condition worsened upon returning home. He was taken back to the hospital on Sunday and was reported to have died there.

The young men from neighboring Kakum village, suspected to be friends of the deceased, forcefully convened a family meeting of the elders to determine who was responsible for Richard Unimke’s death. During the ongoing meeting, the youth leaders allegedly shot and killed Mr. Adie Ungwugwaye, the family head, before fleeing the scene.

Both bodies have been deposited at a morgue in the community. The police have visited the crime scene, and the state commissioner of police has ordered a tactical team to comb the communities and apprehend the perpetrators, who have been identified as cultists. However, as of now, no arrests have been made. The situation remains under investigation as the authorities seek to bring justice to the grieving community.