By Patrick Obia
As cases of witchcraft branding continue to thrive and perpetrators go unpunished, the recent is Mrs Martina Okey Itagbor, a mother of four girls who was accused of witchcraft and was subsequently burnt to death in Old Netim, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State.
In April 2023, some youths suspected to be gangsters accused the late Martina of inflicting illness on a certain youth in the community.
One of her daughters who narrated to CrossRiverWatch said the chief of the community, Ntufam Augustine Nyong Orok washed his hands off the accusation and asked Mrs. Martina to defend herself if she was not a witch.
The matter was said to have been reported to Old Netim Police Station, Akamkpa same April 2023 when the first attack was launched on her but the police were in fear because gangsters were involved.
On the 13th of June, 2023, some youths in the community gathered and stocked themselves in a charted vehicle heading to the inauguration reception of the member representing Akamkpa 1 State Constituency and formal Commissioner for Agriculture during former Governor Ben Ayade term – Hon. Okon Owuna.
Unfortunately, the youths who were suspected to be drunk had an accident and two of them lost their lives on the spot and many were injured.
A day after, some of the youths came and dragged Madam Martina out of her house to the main road, alleging she masterminded the accident and death of the two youths using witchcraft.
The deceased, who was in her 70s, was beaten and set ablaze by a greater number of angry mobs who watched her burn to ashes on the 18th of June, 2023 at about 7:am.
The police were said to have been informed when the act was ongoing but paid deaf ears.
The act that was calculated, the mobs after watching her burn to dust, swept the remnants into the gutters and washed the road.
The perpetrators are, however, hunting for the other of her children while they (perpetrators) go about their normal businesses.
Recall that in October 2022, Mrs. Iquo Edet Iyo and four other suspects were killed, and buried in a forest over witchcraft allegations in Ndon Nwong village, Okurikang, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Also, in early June 2023, a yet-to-be-identified woman in Efondo in Akpabuyo was beheaded by another yet-to-be-identified suspect from Esuk Mba over alleged witchcraft which has led to a crisis in the area.
Meanwhile, one Christopher Sunday Mbey, a native of Old Netim, Akamkpa, has been fingered to spearhead the murder of Madam Martina Itagbor.
Since You Are Here, Support Good JournalismCrossRiverWatch was founded on the ideals of deploying tech tools to report in an ethical manner, news, views and analysis with a narrative that ensures transparency in governance, a good society and an accountable democracy. Everyone appreciates good journalism but it costs a lot of money. Nonetheless, it cannot be sacrificed on the altar of news commercialization. Consider making a modest contribution to support CrossRiverWatch's journalism of credibility and integrity in order to ensure that all have continuous free access to our noble endeavor. CLICK HERE |
New Feature: Don't miss any of our news again.Get all our articles in your facebook chat box.Click the Facebook Messenger Icon below to subscribe now
Text Advert by CRWatch :Place Yours
Will You To Learn How To Make Millions Of Naira Making Special Creams From Your Kitchen?.Click Here
Expose Your Business And Make More Sales. Advertise On CrossRiverWatch.com Today
Leave feedback about this