Former presidential aide, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has raised the alarm over the prevalence of cult groups in some local government councils in Cross River State, particularly Yakurr LGA where killings have become recurrent.
A few days ago, a woman and her daughter were shot dead in his Ugep community, where he is a local chief.

The two victims were reportedly hit by stray bullets on 25 September 2025 during a violent clash involving suspected members of the Bagga Confraternity.

Eyewitnesses said the cultists fired sporadically in public, leaving residents terrified and grieving.

He described the killings as a sorrowful reminder of the infiltration of cult groups into governance.

In a statement issued in Calabar, Obono-Obla alleged that suspicions are rife that a government aide in Yakurr LGA may have links with the cult group.

He said such a scenario represents “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 incident underscored the dangers of allowing criminal elements into sensitive government positions.

The legal expert said the Ugep attack was part of a broader pattern of cult groups infiltrating local government structures across Cross River State. According to him, such “institutional compromise” undermines the rule of law, fuels violence, and erodes public confidence in governance.

He urged the Ministry of Local Government Affairs and the state government to act swiftly by launching an independent investigation into the Yakurr killings and the allegations against the alleged aide.

He stressed that any officials under credible suspicion should be suspended pending the outcome of investigations.
Obono-Obla further called for a transparent, community-led vetting process for all committee appointments across the state and called for collaboration with civil society groups, religious leaders, and security agencies to restore integrity and confidence in local governance.

“The people of Cross River State deserve leadership that protects not endangers them,” he declared. “We cannot afford to reward impunity or normalize violence.” He also disclosed that he has lodged complaints with the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, and the Directorate of State Security concerning the incident.

Reacting, chairman of Yakurr LGA, Yibala Igiri Inyang, said he has set up a panel to investigate the incident.

“We’re awaiting the outcome of the investigation by the panel. Until then, we cannot take any action against suspects allegedly involved in the shootings. We’re working with state security agencies as we have always done to stem breaches in this council,” he said.

Obono-Obla raises alarm over increased cult killings in LG Councils