By Jonathan Ugbal
Madam Arit Inyang, an 86-year-old resident of Isong Inyang community in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State has been missing for a month prompting rights activist, James Ibor Esq to demand an “immediate and thorough police investigation.”
The continuous absence of the victim, Madam Arit Inyang, a grandmother, raises “grave concerns for her life, safety and fundamental rights,” a letter from Basic Rights Law Partners, to the Police dated December 16th 2025 reads, and signed by Mr. Ibor, its principal partner says.
The worry is predicated upon a history of violence suffered by the victim.
In 2023, Madam Arit was, “violently assaulted, and an attempt was made on her life following sustained and malicious allegations of witchcraft made against her by her nephew, Mr. Anthony Malachy.”
A formal complaint was lodged which led to Mr. Anthony’s arrest and subsequent admission to administrative bail by the Akamkpa Division of the Nigeria Police Force after executing an ” undertaking to maintain peace,” the letter read.
Given her frail age and vulnerability as well the antecedents, Mr. Ibor says this creates “reasonable apprehension,” hence the demand for a “comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, including but not limited to identifying, interrogating, and monitoring all persons of interest connected to her prior persecution.”
“We respectfully remind your office of its constitutional and statutory duty to protect the life and dignity of citizens, particularly vulnerable persons, and to ensure that credible threats to life are promptly and decisively addressed,” the letter further read.
“Any further delay in taking concrete investigative steps may irreversibly endanger our client’s life,” Ibor added.
The Police is yet to react, however, CrossRiverWatch has reached the Police Command at Diamond Hill for comments.