Obudu–The town of Obudu in northern Cross River State has been thrown into mourning and tension following reports that a young man, Eugene Adie, was allegedly shot dead by his own gang leader, known simply as Aleka NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
According to social media sources and public affairs analysts, including journalist Agba Jalingo, the fatal incident is believed to be another fallout of ongoing cult violence in the area. Aleka, the alleged shooter, is said to be on the run as residents call for swift police intervention.
“One Eugene Adie, shot dead in Obudu by his gang leader. Aleka, the shooter, is on the run,” Jalingo wrote in a brief post that sparked an outpouring of outrage and dismay across Cross River’s digital space.
The killing has triggered intense conversations online, with many expressing shock, while others describe it as a disturbing—but no longer surprising—trend.
“Them don start again, though it’s not supposed to be a surprise,” commented Catherine Ochui, who added that cult groups now “practice and parade in the open.” She lamented that such killings are increasingly normalized and even quietly celebrated as symbolic gang achievements.
Ugar Godswill, referencing a recent incident, added: “From stabbing a brother in the chest to death few days back to shooting a gang member—Dem don start abi! Which Aleka self?”
Obudu’s Disturbing Descent into Violence
The incident has added to what many describe as Obudu’s worsening security and moral climate. Comparisons were drawn between Obudu and other cult-prone cities, with Ushie Sunday Ashiwere III noting that “Obudu and cultism be like Benin boys.”
Some questioned how a once-tranquil town came to be defined by daily tales of bloodshed, brother-on-brother violence, and cult rivalry.
“How did Obudu descend into this chaos of occultism sef?” asked John Inaku, echoing the sentiment of many others who shared accounts of past killings in the area.
Eddy Nouri offered a grim metaphor: “From my own point of view, I think Cain and Abel were true sons of Obudu. A brother once killed his brother and buried him in the bush at Utukwang. Today, it’s the same story again.”
Call for Urgent Action
Residents are calling for urgent intervention by law enforcement authorities, as well as social reorientation programs to counter the cult culture reportedly taking root among Obudu youth.
“Obudu is in the news again for the wrong reason,” wrote Ogar Solomon Ogar. “From island crossfire to internal betrayal, it’s now a killing field.”
While details remain sketchy and no official police statement had been issued as of press time, community voices online are demanding swift justice and sustainable solutions to Obudu’s deepening cult crisis.
This incident is only the latest in a spate of violent cult-related attacks across Cross River in recent months. Analysts point to poor youth engagement, weak policing, poverty, and the political use of cult groups as key drivers of the violence.
Unless deliberate efforts are made by the Cross River State Government (CRSG), traditional rulers, community leaders, and security agencies, Obudu risks becoming a symbol of failed youth policy and communal neglect.
