Hon. Cyril James Omini, Member representing Yakurr 1 State Constituency.
By Itam Offor
The Cross River State House of Assemby has urged the state government, through its relevant agencies, to urgently enforce drug laws to curb the rising menace of drug abuse across the State.
The House adopted this resolution following a matter of urgent public importance on the need for proactive action against drug abuse in the State presented by the Member representing Yakurr 1 State Constituency, Hon Cyril James omini.
Omini recounted a tragic incident that occured on February 2, 2026 where a 23 year old man, Ubi Bassey, allegedly under the influence of drugs, beheaded his father, Bassey okoi in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government.
The Yakurr Lawmaker reiterated that drug abuse has become prevalent among the youths adding that, the commonly abused substances are alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, tramadol amongst others.
Omini further observed that, “despite warnings by government agencies like WHO, most people still get involved in the sale of illicit drugs. The effect of drug abuse has sent many people mostly younths to their early graves or sometimes leads them to taking away the lives of innocent people”.
Continuing, Omini stated; “the incident of this boy’seeeed killing his own father has caused horror and unrest in Ugep..If proactive action is not taken, the danger of having a more perverse society can not be eroded”.
He however commended the efforts of the State Security Adviser, Major General Okoi Ubi Obono (RTD), towards restoring peace in the area.
Members unanimously emphasised the need for sustained drug sensitization and youth focused campaigns. They urged government to strengthen partnerships with NGOs and other stakeholders to intensify the fight against drug abuse as well as the enactment and enforcement of laws targeting both drug peddlers and users.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem expressed sadness over the incident and called on the State Security Adviser to wade into the matter and bring the perpetrator to book as a deterrent to other unscrupulous youths.
