A ruthless gang that brutally murdered a woman accused of witchcraft by cutting off her fingers and setting her ablaze on a major road has sparked outrage among activists in Cross River State. The Citizens’ Solution Network and the Agba Jalingo Foundation for Investigative and Accountability Journalism are mounting pressure on the Cross River State Police Command to promptly arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.
The horrific incident occurred recently in the New Netim area of Akamkpa Local Government Area. The accused, Martina Okey Itagbor, was allegedly held responsible for a fatal car accident that claimed the life of a mother of two boys in the community, with witchcraft being cited as the cause.
Cross River State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, confirmed that an investigation into the brutal murder is underway. “We are aware and are investigating the matter. Suspects will be brought to book,” she told journalists.
In a statement issued on Friday, June 30, 2023, Agba Jalingo, one of the leaders, condemned the extrajudicial execution of Martina Okey Itagbor by a misguided and bloodthirsty gang. The activists demanded justice for the woman and called on the police to take action against extrajudicial killings, which have become distressingly frequent in parts of the state.
“Such incidents keep occurring in the state because those who kill innocent women, who they don’t like their faces in their local community, go scot-free without any repercussions due to the visible refusal of the Cross River State Police Command to arrest, prosecute and ensure that those who take the lives of others face the full wrath of the law,” the statement read.
The activists further appealed to the police to apprehend and prosecute the gang responsible for Martina Itagbor’s murder. Christopher Sunday is believed to be the leader of the gang, while Festus Etim Umoh holds the position of Deputy Leader. The groups supplied the names of 14 other members allegedly involved in the brutal act.
Martina Itagbor, a member of the Catholic Women Organization (CWO), was burned alive in front of the Catholic Church while the CWO meeting was taking place. Witnesses also alleged that the gang has been threatening Itagbor’s daughter, who was held down during the horrific incident.
The activists claim that the same gang went on a rampage and killed four chiefs in the community, along with destroying houses and properties worth millions of Naira, after two Catholic priests, Reverend Father Daniel Omonga and a colleague, were involved in a car accident.
The group emphasizes that the people of New Netim live in fear of the gang and are calling on the police to act swiftly to restore confidence and ensure the safety of the community. “No one should be given the impression that they have a free pass to take other people’s lives without retribution,” the group stressed.
The gruesome murder of Martina Okey Itagbor has ignited public outrage and highlighted the urgent need to address extrajudicial killings in Cross River State. As pressure mounts on the police to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators, justice for Martina and the countless victims of jungle justice hangs in the balance.
