The governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has given marching orders to the Cross River Commissioner of Police to with immediate effect ensure the arrest and prosecution of everyone involved in the dastard act of killing of Madam Martina Okey Itagbor of Old Netim in Akamkpa Local Government Area, accused of witchcraft.
In a statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Emmanuel Ogbeche, the governor said, “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 youths.
“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, and 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 matters 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 paint the state in bad light.
“I urge all community leaders, religious institutions and civil society to do more in the area of civic education, sensitisation on 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.
“Let me use this medium to offer my condolence to the family of the victim and may the soul of the departed rest in keep.”
The police is said to have also swiftly responded to the directive of Governor Otu, as they have commenced a manhunt for the perpetrators of the dastardly act.
