Panic gripped residents of Oghior community in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State on Wednesday after a young man, identified as Saturday Okutu, allegedly set his father, Pa Chicago Okutu, ablaze.
Witnesses told our correspondent that the incident followed a heated altercation between the suspect and the late septuagenarian.
Sources claimed the younger Okutu had allegedly taken a substance locally known as “Colorado” moments before the confrontation escalated into violence.
The altercation reportedly degenerated, culminating in the torching of their residence, with the elderly man trapped inside.
He was said to have died from the blaze before neighbours could intervene.
The incident has left the quiet community in shock, heightening fears over increasing drug abuse among young people in the area.
Speaking on the development, the immediate past President-General of Oghior community, Moses Uchere, condemned the act and urged government agencies and security authorities to intensify efforts to curb the spread and consumption of illicit substances.
Community leaders are said to be collaborating to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, said he would provide clarification, but had yet to do so as of press time.