The arrest of some youngsters from the Old Netim village in Akamkpa LGA, Cross River State, on suspicion of witchcraft has been ordered with immediate effect by Governor Bassey Otu. These youths are thought to have been involved in the barbaric burning death of Martina Okey Itagbor.
- According to Calabar security sources, the following people are wanted in connection with the woman\’s burning death: Emem Etim Umoh, Enearokot Omonga Peter, Stephen \’Pompori\’ Obaji, Destiny Ime Brown, Joseph Omonga Orok, Eyu Adogo, Louis Bassey Peter, Orok Okon Orok, Mesembe Anembe, Malachi Sylvanus, and Thelfa Okon Nyong.
Otu maintained that \”I have directed the Commissioner of Police in the state to mobilize all tactical and investigative assets and ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous act are brought to justice\” in a government statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Emmanuel Ogbeche, and released early Saturday.
\”Our people must eradicate all remnants of culture that encourage violence, murder, and crime, like this one. Let me offer a warning against such behavior because there are laws and legislation in place to address concerns of misconduct and disputes.
\”My administration will not tolerate acts that could disturb the peace, put the safety of residents and businesses at risk, or damage the state\’s reputation,\” the president declared.
The governor expressed his condolences to the deceased\’s family and added that anyone caught breaking the law would face justice.
The youngsters\’ actions have thus far sparked anger across the nation and abroad, leading to an increase in demand from civil society and a number of concerned citizens that the state government bring criminal charges against those responsible for this horrible conduct in order to dissuade others from following in their footsteps.
