Tragedy struck Oghior Community in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State on Wednesday after a young man, identified as Saturday Okutu, allegedly set his aged father, Pa Chicago Okutu, on fire while under the influence of hard drugs.
Eyewitnesses said the horrific incident followed a violent confrontation between the suspect and his father. A community source disclosed that Saturday Okutu had allegedly smoked a hard drug popularly known as “Colorado” before the attack.
According to the source, the situation escalated into a physical assault, after which the suspect reportedly set the house ablaze, resulting in the death of the elderly man.
The shocking incident has thrown the community into deep mourning and reignited concerns over the growing abuse of hard drugs among youths in rural communities.
Reacting to the development, the immediate past President General of Oghior Community, Moses Uchere Esq., condemned the act and called for urgent action against drug abuse, as well as increased sensitisation to prevent further loss of lives.
Vanguard gathered that community authorities have commenced preliminary steps to investigate the matter as more details continue to emerge.
When contacted, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said he would get back, but as at press time, he was yet to respond.