In a press statement with reference number: GO/PRESS/005/VOL_Y/ 032 June 30, 2023, the Cross River State Government, CRSG has reacted to the recent lynching of one Martina Okay Itagbor over withcraft branding in Old Netim in Akamkpa LGA.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to Gov Bassey Otu, the attention of the Cross State Government has been drawn to a gruesome video online and some news reports on the alleged burning to death of one Madam Martina Okay Itagber of Old Neti in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state by some youths purportedly for witchcraft.
The State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, finds the allegation, proven true, to be repulsive and against civility. Governor Otu notes that Cross River State like other 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.
“My attention has been drawn to the alleged burning to death of a citizen of the state, Madam Martina Okey Ragbocof Old etm 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 30, involving a helpless woman.
“Such abhorrent acts have no piace 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,” the governor said.
The governor extended his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and community.
