SUG President Shot Dead at His Father’s Burial in Cross River State, Community in Shock as Cult Violence Escalates

In what has been described as one of the most horrifying cult related attacks in recent years, the quiet community of Ekori in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State has been plunged into grief following the killing of 26 year old Samuel Sampson Udo. He was a former Student Union Government president of Peace Institute of Management and Technology, Peace Poly, Abak. He was shot dead during the wake keeping ceremony of his late father, Mr. Sampson Udo, a respected community elder and retired civil servant.

The tragic incident, which occurred on October 31, 2025, has raised concerns about the growing influence of cultism and the increasing breakdown of security across several communities in the state.

The wake keeping ceremony had begun peacefully. Family members, friends, church leaders and community elders gathered to honor the life of the deceased patriarch. The solemn atmosphere shifted abruptly around 2 a.m. when gunshots pierced the night sky.

According to witnesses, the gunfire reportedly erupted after an argument between members of two rival cult groups escalated. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the presence of certain attendees believed to belong to opposing fraternities sparked tensions that quickly spiraled out of control.

As bullets flew across the compound, mourners ran in all directions, screaming and ducking behind structures. Some sought shelter inside nearby houses. In the commotion, Samuel Udo was struck by multiple bullets while trying to escape the violence.

“He was not armed. He was not involved in any confrontation. He was just trying to run,” a distraught relative told our correspondent. “He came home to bury his father and ended up being buried himself.”

Udo was not the only victim. Twenty nine year old Miss Choice Ikenger, who had attended the wake keeping with her mother, was caught in the gunfire. She sustained gunshot wounds that have left her unable to walk, according to her mother, Mrs. Silvia Ikenger.

“My daughter has been in severe pain since that night,” she said while fighting back tears. “We rushed her to a nearby clinic before transferring her to a hospital in Ikom. She still has bullets inside her body because we cannot afford the cost of surgery.”

Several other attendees, including elderly women and young boys, reportedly sustained injuries as they attempted to flee. 

For the Udo family, the tragedy is indescribable. They had already been grappling with the emotional toll of preparing for the burial of their father. Now they have been forced to deal with a second and even more devastating loss.

His sister, Affiong Sampson, could not hide her pain as she recounted the events of that night.

“This is wickedness,” she said. “They killed my brother in cold blood. They destroyed everything we had left. He was hardworking, respectful and loved by everyone. Now we have two bodies in the mortuary instead of one.”

Samuel Udo was widely admired among students of Peace Poly, where he served as SUG president. Friends described him as a peaceful young man, passionate about student welfare and community development. He recently completed his diploma and had plans to further his education.

“He was never associated with violence,” said a former classmate. “He always talked about starting a small business after school and taking care of his younger siblings.”

A Disturbing Pattern of Cult Violence

This incident adds to growing fears that cult related killings are escalating across Cross River State. Several communities have witnessed similar attacks in recent years.

In April 2025, five people were confirmed dead in Camp 2, Mfamosing, after a clash between rival cult groups. In Ikom, two young men were killed during a violent confrontation between the Vikings and KK confraternities. At the University of Calabar, at least three students were reportedly killed between 2023 and 2025 in separate cult related incidents. At Cross River University of Technology, a final year engineering student was shot dead during an examination in 2024.

Security analysts say the surge is linked to political patronage, unemployment, drug abuse, territorial battles and recruitment among youths seeking status and power.

Fear Grips Ekori Community

Residents now live in fear, with many too afraid to speak openly.

“Nobody wants to talk because you do not know who is connected to these boys,” said a local youth leader. “We fear retaliation. We fear another attack. We fear that our children are the next targets.”

Some families have reportedly kept their children indoors since the incident, refusing to allow them to attend social activities, especially at night.

Criminologist Dr. Asuquo Etim believes cultism in Cross River has evolved into a complex network.

“Cult clashes are no longer just about supremacy. They now involve land disputes, political influence, extortion, drug trafficking and personal vendettas,” he explained. “Young people feel neglected by society and these groups exploit that vulnerability.”

He warned that unless drastic action is taken, the violence may escalate beyond the capacity of local security agencies. 

Community leaders have criticized what they describe as a lack of diligent policing.

Social critic Mbeh Egbe accused authorities of failing to make meaningful arrests.

“Killers walk freely,” he said. “No one is prosecuted. That emboldens them. Cross River is becoming a playground for armed gangs.”

Former presidential aide and lawyer, Chief Barrister Okoi Obono Obla, condemned the attack and called for immediate action.

“These are not isolated incidents,” he said. “Cultism is eating deep into our communities. These gunmen were drugged, unstable and dangerous. They shot indiscriminately without fear of consequences.”

He urged the Inspector General of Police and the Cross River State Governor to deploy intelligence officers, conduct raids on known black spots and enforce strict sanctions.

Police Respond

The Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Police Command, Igiri Ewa, stated that investigations have commenced.

“We are working discreetly to identify the perpetrators,” he assured. “We urge residents to remain calm and support the investigation with credible information.”

However, residents say they fear reprisals if they speak up.

Security experts warn that unless urgent steps are taken, cultism could destabilize several communities. They note that the underfunding of local vigilante groups, shortage of police personnel, porous borders and increased drug trafficking are worsening the situation.

The death of Samuel Udo may now force the government to act more urgently, as public outcry continues to grow.

Youth leaders are calling for better engagement programs for unemployed youths, stronger community policing, stricter enforcement of anti cultism laws, drug abuse rehabilitation programs and the creation of security checkpoints in vulnerable areas.

“There must be a partnership between the community and security agencies,” said youth activist Ojong Amba. “We cannot sit and watch our future destroyed.”

As the Udo family begins preparations for the burial of both father and son, the community remains deeply shaken. Residents say they may never forget the night gunmen stormed a peaceful gathering and unleashed terror.

“This should be the last time something like this happens here,” a community elder said. “We are tired of burying our youths.”

For now, Ekori is united by grief, pain and a desperate need for justice.