Blood flowed on the night of Sunday, June 1, in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, when a domestic argument turned deadly as 63-year-old Uyoatta Warrie fatally stabbed his 28-year-old son, Joseph Warrie, during a heated altercation at their family residence on 4 Ediam Street, Idua Road. Police have since confirmed the arrest of the father, who is now being held at the Uqua Divisional Police Headquarters.
The shocking incident, which occurred just metres from a church run by the victim’s mother, has left the Eket community reeling. According to a source close to the family, the quarrel escalated after the younger Warrie reportedly broke a bottle and attempted to stab his father. In what police described as an act of self-defense or retaliation gone too far, Uyoatta allegedly overpowered his son and used the same sharp object to strike him fatally.
Joseph was rushed to a nearby hospital shortly after the clash, but was pronounced dead before arrival. His body has since been deposited at a morgue pending an autopsy, while the police continue to piece together the exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Akwa Ibom Police Command spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, told journalists on Thursday, June 5, that investigations were ongoing. “We are aware of the incident. The suspect is in custody and the matter is under thorough investigation. We’re reviewing evidence to determine whether it was a deliberate attack or an act of self-defense,” she said.
The source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the case, disclosed that tensions in the household had been simmering for weeks. Family friends reportedly noted growing friction between father and son, but no one expected it would end in such horrific violence. “They were always shouting. We just never thought it would get to this level,” said a neighbor.
Community leaders in Eket have since condemned the act and called on law enforcement to ensure justice is served regardless of the motive. Human rights groups in the region are also beginning to weigh in on the case, demanding a transparent investigation into the underlying issues of domestic violence and mental health that may have played a role.
As police investigations intensify, residents and netizens alike are expressing disbelief at the gruesome nature of the crime. The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the deadly consequences of unresolved family conflict and unchecked aggression within households.
