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Civil Societies in Cross River Call for Arrest and Prosecution of Killers of Woman Accused of Witchcraft

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CROSS RIVER, Nigeria — Civil Societies Organisations, CSOs, in Cross River State have raised their voices against a horrific act of violence and called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals responsible for the brutal killing of Mrs. Martina Okey Itagbor, a woman who was accused of being a witch.

According to an eyewitness on Thursday, June 29, 2023, Mrs. Itagbor was mercilessly beaten, stripped, and had her fingers chopped off by a group of youths in Old Netim, Akamkpa Local Government Area.

The perpetrators subsequently doused her with petrol and set her on fire, accusing her of engaging in witchcraft activities and attributing many deaths in the community to her.

Mrs. Martina Okey Itagbor
Mrs. Martina Okey Itagbor

The witness reported that Mrs. Itagbor cried out and begged for help, but none came, as those who might have been willing to help were too afraid of facing the wrath of the enraged mob.

Reacting to the shocking incident, several Civil Societies Organisations, including Citizens’ Solution Network, Agba Jalingo Foundation for Investigative and Accountability Journalism, and the Association of Cross River Online Journalists, ACROJ, have urged the Cross River State Police Command to take swift action.

In a joint statement led by Agba Jalingo, the CSOs demanded the arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in the brutal and inhumane murder of Mrs. Martina Okey Itagbor.

“This is a heinous crime and a gross violation of human rights. We cannot stand by and let this act go unpunished. It is the duty of the law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” said Agba Jalingo.

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and calls for urgent action to ensure justice for Mrs. Itagbor and to address the deep-rooted issue of witchcraft accusations and related violence in certain communities.

The Cross River State Police Command is yet to release an official statement regarding the incident and any actions they might be taking in response.

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