Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has taken decisive action in response to the shocking murder of Madam Martina Okey Itagbor, a defenceless elderly woman from Old Netim in Akamkpa Local Government Area.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the governor has directed the state’s police Commissioner to swiftly apprehend the 14 individuals, along with others, who allegedly participated in the horrifying maiming and burning of the victim.
The incident, which occurred a few days ago, unfolded after Madam Itagbor was accused of witchcraft by a group led by Christopher Sunday and Festus Etim Umoh. Governor Otu condemned the act, describing it as a display of sheer savagery and cowardice. He emphasised that such actions have no place in Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, to which the state is an integral part.
In an official statement released early Saturday morning, Governor Otu’s chief press secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, conveyed the governor’s unwavering commitment to ensuring justice for the victim.
The governor has instructed the Commissioner of Police to mobilise all available tactical and investigative resources to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to account.
Governor Otu also urged community leaders, religious institutions, and civil society organisations to intensify efforts in promoting civic education and fostering a culture of tolerance and respect for authority, particularly among the youth. He cautioned against taking the law into one’s own hands and reminded citizens that there are established legal avenues to address conflicts and wrongdoings.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved family and the community, Governor Otu stressed that those who resort to vigilantism will face the full weight of the law.
Furthermore, additional suspects allegedly involved in the lynching have been identified as Emem Etim Umoh, Enearokot Omonga Peter, Stephen (also known as Pompori/Obaji), Destiny Ime Brown, Joseph Omonga Orok, Eyu Adogo, Louis Bassey Peter, Orok Okon Orok, Mesembe Anembe, Malachi Sylvanus, and Thelfa Okon Nyong.
