Governor Senator Bassey Otu of Cross River State has instructed the state Police Command to apprehend a group of youths allegedly involved in torturing and burning to death a woman accused of witchcraft. The governor has issued a stern warning against jungle justice, emphasizing the need for law and order in the state.
In a statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche, it was revealed that the state government had become aware of a distressing video circulating online. The video, along with news reports, alleged that a woman named Madam Martina Okey Itagbor from Old Netim in Akamkpa Local Council of the state was burned to death by unruly youths.
Governor Otu, upon learning of the incident, expressed his repulsion if the allegations were proven true. He stated that such actions were contrary to civility and emphasized that the state, like the rest of Nigeria, adheres to constitutional order.
The governor described the act as savage and cowardly, emphasizing that it was unacceptable for youths or anyone to take the law into their own hands, especially against a helpless woman. He stressed that such abhorrent acts have no place in the constitutional democracy practiced in Nigeria and in the state.
Governor Otu directed the Commissioner of Police in the state to mobilize all tactical and investigative resources to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous act face justice. He further warned against similar acts, highlighting that there are legal frameworks in place to address wrongdoing and disputes.
The governor extended his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and urged community leaders, religious institutions, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to enhance civic education efforts in order to eradicate cultural practices that promote violence, murder, and criminality.
