By Ene Asuquo
Cross River State Governor, prince Bassey Otu has ordered for the arrest of alleged killers of a woman that was burnt to death by some
Youths recently in Old Netim, in Akamkpa Local Government area of the state.on allegation of witchcraft.
The woman whose name was given as Madam Martina Okey was alleged to have been burnt to death by some youths purporting allegation of witchcraft
The State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, finds the allegation, if proven true, to be repulsive and against all civility.
In a press statement signed by the chief press secretary to the Governor, Emmanuel Ogbeche,
Governor Otu notes that Cross River State like all parts of Nigeria is governed by constitutional order, therefore, all forms of brigandage and criminal acts will not be tolerated and will be met with the full weight of the law.
The statement read as thus;
“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.
“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 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,” Otu maintained.