By: Publisher.
The Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of the killers of Mrs. Martina Okey Itagbor of Old Netim in Akampka Local Government Area of the State, under the pretext of witchcraft.
The directive was contained in a Press Release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche, dated June 30, 2023, with the reference number GO/PRESS/005/VOL.I/032.
It reads “My attention has been drawn to the alleged burning to death of a citizen of the State, Madam Martina Odey ltagbor of Old Netimi n Akamkpa Local Government Area of the State by some unscrupulous, wild, and criminal-minded youths.
“It’s 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 promote violence, murder, and criminality such as in this instance.
“To this end, I am directing 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.”
Cross River State like any other is govern with laws and no one can arrogate to themselves the adjudicators of justice and on this note, those responsible for the heinous crime must fetch out and made to face the consequences of their actions as the law deemed fit.
“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.”
The Governor called on Community leaders and Civil Society Organisations to step up their campaigns in educating the people on civil responsibilities.
“I urge all community leaders, religious institutions, and civil society organizations 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,” the governor said, as he extended his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and Community.
