Police have arrested 26 suspects for torturing and burning alive of a mother of four, Mrs Martina Itagbor, over allegations that she was a witch in her Netim Community in Akamkpa local government area of Cross River.
Itagbor was beaten and burnt alive by youths in the community following an car accident which claimed lives of four occupants of the car.
The village’s mob claimed the woman instigated the accident through witchcraft. In a fit of rage, they seized the mother of four, beat and set her ablaze afterwards until she died .
The Police Command in Cross River responded to the incident and arrested 26 suspects.
In a statement by the command spokesperson, SP Irene Ugbo on Tuesday, police said the suspects were arrested at various locations in the state.
She added that investigations have commenced into the matter to determine the culpability of the suspects.
She said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Gyogon Grimah had directed that those involved in the killing of the woman accused of witchcraft would be prosecuted according to the laws of the land.
Ugbo reiterated that no stone would be left unturned to ensure that the perpetrators of the dastardly act were brought to book.
According to her, we stand unwavering in our resolve, unyielding to any obstacle that may hinder the police from unravelling the depth of this matter.
“Our aim is to restore public confidence, allowing them to live freely and abide by the principles of our constitutionally protected society.
“It is unfortunate that despite lacking concrete proof or hard evidence, this woman, who had been an integral part of the community, fell victim to a heinous act of violence by some unscrupulous elements.
“To compound the tragedy, she was denied the dignity of a proper burial, as those responsible took the law into their own hands by allegedly washing away the ashes of her remains.
“The prosecution of such criminal elements commences with the apprehension of suspects. Each individual taken into custody will undergo meticulous and professional processing, ensuring that those found guilty will be promptly brought before the court of law.”
According to her, the petition lodged by the complainants points accusing fingers at the youths within the community, and as a result, we have summoned all relevant stakeholders, including the village head and youth leader, among others.
“Our actions are guided by the provisions of the law, as we diligently pursue justice. I can assure the good people of Cross River that no matter what happens in this case, nothing will be swept under the carpet and neither will the command leave any stones unturned.
“We will undertake the necessary actions, taking into account the utmost importance of safeguarding and upholding human rights.”
– NAN
