
Governor Basset Otu of Cross River State has directed the state police Commissioner to immediately arrest and prosecute the alleged killers of Madam Martina Okey Itagbor of Old Netim in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that the helpless mother of four was accused of witchcraft by one Christopher Sunday and Festus Etim Umoh, who later led other persons to gruesomely murder the sexagenarian a few days ago.
The directive was contained in a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Cross River Governor, Mr Emmanuel Ogbeche, dated June 30, 2023, with the reference number GO/PRESS/005/VOL.I/032.
Otu said, “I have directed the Commissioner of Police in the state to mobilise all tactical and investigative assets and ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous act are brought to justice.”
“My attention has been drawn to the alleged burning to death of a citizen of the state, Madam Martina Odey ltagbor of Old Netim in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the State by some unscrupulous, wild, and criminal-minded youths.
“It’s sheer savagery and cowardice for the youths or anybody to take the laws into their hands, more so, involving a helpless woman.
“Such abhorrent acts have no place in a constitutional democracy that Nigeria practices which our state is part of.
The Governor has strongly warned against the practice of jungle justice in the State.
“Our people must do away with all relics of culture that promote violence, murder and criminality such as in this instance.
“Let me warn against such acts as we have laws and statutes to deal with issues of wrongdoings and disagreements.
“As an administration committed to the People’s First Agenda, my administration will be intolerant to acts capable of breaching the peace, endangering citizens and businesses and portraying the state in a bad light.”
Sympathising with the family of the deceased and community, Otu emphasised that anyone found taking laws into their hands would have his day in court.
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