Cross River Moves Against Jungle Justice

By Ayodele Oni

The Cross State Government has taken steps to guard against killings by mobs or breaking the law to protest any perceived misdeed.

Reacting to the gruesome setting ablaze of one Madam Okey Itagbor over alleged witchcraft, the State Government described it as repulsive and against all civility.

The alleged gruesome burning to death of Itagbor  took place at Old Netim in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the State by some youths.

Governor Bassey Otu specifically said that it is sheer savagery and cowardice for the youths or anybody to take the laws into their hands, more so, involving a helpless woman

He further said that Cross River State like all parts of Nigeria is governed by constitutional order, stressing that all forms of brigandage and criminal acts will not be tolerated and will be met with the full weight of the law.

To this end, the Governor directed 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.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche, Governor Otu said; “Such abhorrent acts have no place in a constitutional democracy that Nigeria practices, and our state is part of.

“Our people must do away with all relics of culture that promotes violence, murder and criminality such as in this instance.

“I further wish to warn against all of such acts as we have laws and statutes to deal with matters 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 paint the state in bad light.

“I urge all community leaders, religious institutions and civil society to do more in the area of civic education, sensitisation on 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.”