Former presidential aide and community leader, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has expressed deep concern over the growing spate of cult-related violence in Cross River State, particularly in Yakurr Local Government Area (LGA), where recurring clashes have left residents in fear and mourning.
The alarm follows a recent tragedy in Ugep, Obono-Obla’s hometown, where a woman and her daughter were killed after being struck by stray bullets during a violent confrontation on September 25, 2025. The clash reportedly involved suspected members of the Bagga Confraternity, who fired indiscriminately in public, sending shockwaves through the community.
Describing the killings as “a sorrowful reminder of the infiltration of cult groups into governance,” Obono-Obla alleged that there are growing suspicions linking a government aide in Yakurr LGA to the cult group responsible for the violence. He condemned what he termed “a shocking breach of public trust and a dangerous contradiction in governance.”
“How can individuals suspected of enabling violence be entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding peace?” he asked, insisting that the latest incident underscores the dangers of criminal elements being allowed into sensitive government positions.
The legal expert stressed that the Ugep attack reflects a broader pattern of cult groups infiltrating local government structures across the state. According to him, such “institutional compromise” undermines the rule of law, fuels insecurity, and erodes citizens’ confidence in leadership.
Obono-Obla called on the Ministry of Local Government Affairs and the state government to act urgently by ordering an independent investigation into the Yakurr killings and the allegations of official complicity. He further urged that any officials under credible suspicion be suspended until investigations are concluded.
In his recommendations, he proposed a transparent, community-led vetting process for all political and committee appointments across the state, with strong collaboration between civil society groups, religious leaders, and security agencies. “The people of Cross River State deserve leadership that protects, not endangers them. We cannot afford to reward impunity or normalize violence,” he declared.
He also confirmed that he has formally lodged complaints with the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS) regarding the Yakurr incident.
Reacting to the concerns, Yakurr LGA Chairman, Yibala Igiri Inyang, said he has constituted a panel to investigate the killings. “We are awaiting the outcome of the investigation by the panel. Until then, we cannot take any action against suspects allegedly involved in the shootings. We are working with state security agencies, as we have always done, to stem breaches in this council,” Inyang stated.
The community, however, remains on edge as residents await decisive government action to curb the wave of cult-related violence threatening lives and peace in Cross River State.
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