Police declare 14 wanted over murder of woman accused of witchcraft
The Cross River state Police command Sunday declared 14 persons wanted over the killing of Mrs. Martina Okey Itagbor at Old Netim, Akamkpa local government area of the state.
The culprits had burnt Madam Itagbor to death last month after accusing the woman of using her witchcraft powers to cause the death of two young men through a ghastly auto crash in the area.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Calabar, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Irene Ugbo, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Gyogon Grimah, directed that the perpetrators be tracked down, arrested and prosecuted.
“The issue of jungle justice is one crime that the police do not take lightly and as such, we have already commenced a manhunt for those responsible for the dastardly act. Those responsible, no matter how highly placed, will be arrested and prosecuted according to the laws of the land.
“We are going to treat them like the criminals that they are, and no stone would be left unturned on this matter, they can only run but won’t hide. Enough is enough, jungle justice is not the solution.
“All those involved in the murder of Mrs. Itagbor would be brought to book and the law will take its full course. We won’t relent until they are in our custody,” the statement reads in part.
Those declared wanted include Christopher Sunday Mbey, Festus Etim Umoh, Emem Etim Umoh, Enearokot Omonga Peter, Stephen aka Pompori, Obaji and Destiny Ime Brown.
Others are Joseph Omonga Orok, Eyu Adogo, Louis Bassey Peter, Orok Okon Orok, Mesembe Anembe, Malachi Sylvanus and Thelfa Okon Nyong.
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross Rivers state had a few days ago ordered the immediate arrest of the 14 persons who committed the dastardly act.
Emmanuel Ogbeche, the chief press secretary to the governor said Senator Otu vowed that no form of brigandage and criminality would be tolerated.
“My attention has been drawn to the alleged burning to death of a citizen of the state, Mrs Martina Okey Itagbor, by some unscrupulous, wild and criminal minded youth purportedly for witchcraft.
“Our people must do away with all relics of culture that promote violence, murder and criminality. I wish to warm against all of such acts as we have laws and statues to deal with issues of wrongdoing and disagreements.
“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,” the governor was quoted to have said.
