Bassey Otu orders arrest as mob burns woman to death in Cross River over ‘witchcraft’

Martina Okey Itagbor has been burnt to death by a mob in Akamkpa LGA of Cross River after being accused of witchcraft.

The perpetrators accused the woman of using witchcraft to cause a car accident which claimed the lives of two youths.

In a statement on Saturday, Emmanuel Ogbeche, spokesperson to Bassey Otu, the state governor, said Otu described the incident as “repulsive and against all civility”.

The governor said all forms of criminal acts will not be tolerated and ordered the arrest of the perpetrators.

“My attention has been drawn to the alleged burning to death of a citizen of the state, Madam Martina Okey Itagbor of Old Netim in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the State by some unscrupulous, wild and criminal minded youths,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.

“It is 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.

“Our people must do away with all relics of culture that promotes violence, murder and criminality such as in this instance.

“To this end, I am directing 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.

“I further wish to warn against all of 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.

“I urge all community leaders, religious institutions and civil society organisations to do more in the area of civic education while championing the crusade for tolerance and respecting constituted authority especially amongst our youths as anyone found taking the laws into their hands will be made to have their day in court.”