By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent
The Governor of Cross River, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu has warned against the practice of jungle justice in the State.
Gov. Otu also ordered the Police to arrest and prosecute the alleged killers of Mrs. Martina Okey Itagbor of Old Netim in Akampka Local Government Area.
The directive was contained in a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Cross River Governor, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche, dated June 30, 2023, with the reference number GO/PRESS/005/VOL.I/032.
It reads “My attention has been drawn to the alleged burning to death of a citizen of the state, Madam Martina Odey ltagbor of Old
Netim in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the State by some unscrupulous, wild, and criminal-minded youths.
“It’s sheer savagery and cowardice for the youths or anybody to take the laws into their hands, more so, involving a helpless woman.
“Such abhorrent acts have no place in a constitutional democracy that Nigeria practices which our state is part of.
“Our people must do away with all relics of culture that promote violence, murder, and criminality such as in this instance.
“To this end, I am directing the Commissioner of Police in the state to mobilize all tactical and investigative assets and ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous act are brought to justice.”
He reiterated that there are laws to deal with such crimes.
He said “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.”
He charged community leaders and CSOs to step up their game. “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.
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