Arrest, arraign killers of Madam Martina – Gov. Otu orders CRS Police CP
Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, has issued marching orders to the State Commissioner of police to immediately ensure the arrest and prosecution of anyone involved in the obscene act of killing Madam Martina Okey Itagbor of Old Netim in Akamkpa local government area, accused of witchcraft.
In a statement made available to newsmen issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Emmanuel Ogbeche, the Governor.
The statement reads, “My attention has been drawn to the alleged burning to death of a state resident, madam martina okey itagbor of old netim of 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 peace.”
Governor has also warned against jungle justice on any individual saying government will not tolerate such act, advising the youths to desist from taking laws into their hands.
As at the time filing this report police authority in the state has acted swiftly to the order of the state governor and the investigation is ongoing to fish out the culprits.
Police authority in the state has acted swiftly to the order of the state governor and the investigation is ongoing to fish out the culprits.
It could be recalled that some group of young people on Friday were accused of crusomely beaten and burning to dead an aged woman, Identified as Madam Martina Okey which they suspected of being a witch at Ikot Netim areas of Akamkpa.
