The community of Ekori in Cross River state has been thrown into deep mourning after a violent cult clash claimed the life of 26-year-old Samuel Sampson Udo, a former Student Union Government (SUG) president of the Peace Institute of Management and Technology (Peace Poly), Abak.
Udo was killed during the wake-keeping ceremony of his late father, a respected community leader. What was meant to be a solemn night of remembrance turned into a scene of chaos and bloodshed.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred at about 2 a.m. on 31 October, when a confrontation between rival cult gangs escalated into a deadly shootout.
“The laughter and songs suddenly turned into screams. People were running into their homes and locking their doors. It was terrifying,” resident Utum Ofem Ubi said.
Udo was reportedly hit by bullets as he attempted to run for cover. Several others were caught in the crossfire, including 29-year-old Miss Choice Ikenger, who sustained severe gunshot injuries.
Udo’s mother and siblings have been left traumatised by the brutality of the killing. His sister, Miss Affiong Sampson, described the attack as inhumane. “They shot him as if he was an animal. His body is still in the mortuary. Our family has not known peace since that night,” she said. Ikenger’s mother, Mrs Silvia Ikenger, said her daughter had been in “unbearable pain”. “We have suffered so much trying to keep our daughter alive. It is a nightmare,” she said.
