Stepfather allegedly kills six-year-old girl over witchcraft accusations in C’River

A six-year-old girl has reportedly died in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State after her stepfather allegedly assaulted her over accusations that she was a witch.

The incident, according to Very Nigerian, has shocked residents of the community, with concerns growing over the rising cases of violence linked to witchcraft accusations in the state.

The girl was said to have suffered severe injuries following the alleged beating and later died.

The incident has again raised concerns about the dangers of branding children as witches, amid reports of increasing cases of killings and abuse linked to such accusations in Cross River State.

In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah , the Command confirmed the arrest of Saviour Otu Adim, 29, in connection with the death of Miss Goodness Ekpo Okon, following a report filed by Mrs Itoro Udofia on Friday.

According to Eitokpah, preliminary findings suggest the suspect had accused the child of witchcraft before allegedly assaulting her, leading to her death.

“The suspect is currently in Police custody, while the remains of the deceased have been deposited at a mortuary for autopsy,” Akata stated,

He added that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Calabar, for further investigation.

The PRO decried the killing and renewed the Command’s call for vigilance against child abuse

“We urge members of the public to protect children, promptly report cases of abuse, and refrain from spreading unverified information or taking the law into their own hands,” he said.

The incident has reignited concerns over witchcraft-related child abuse in parts of the state, with residents calling for stiffer penalties and sustained public enlightenment against such beliefs.

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