A pastor in Wula Community, Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, has been arrested by operatives of the state police command for allegedly beating a 14-year-old girl to death after she was reportedly handed over to him by her mother for disciplinary action.
As gathered, the 43-year-old cleric, identified as Samson Dago, was said to have subjected the girl to corporal punishment using a cane, popularly known as koboko.
The teenager was later pronounced dead by medical personnel at a health facility in Wula Community after she was rushed there unconscious following the assault.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Command, Sunday Eitokpah, who confirmed the incident on Tuesday, the victim was initially disciplined by her mother, Agnes Peter, over allegations of theft before being taken to the pastor for further correction.
“Preliminary findings reveal that the victim was allegedly beaten by her mother, Mrs Agnes Peter, aged 45, over allegations of theft. It was further alleged that the mother subsequently took the child to a pastor, Pastor Samson Roman Dago, aged 43, who also allegedly subjected the minor to corporal punishment using a cane (koboko),” he said.
“The victim reportedly became unconscious thereafter and was rushed to a medical facility in Wula Community for treatment, where she was later confirmed dead by medical personnel.
The command said investigations had commenced to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, which it described as a case of assault resulting in death, and to determine the level of involvement of all persons connected to the matter.
“Investigation into the death of a 14-year-old girl, Miss Nancy Peter, following an alleged case of assault. Appropriate legal action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation,” it stated.
The police also addressed reports circulating on social media alleging that the minor was sexually assaulted, noting that such claims had not been established at this stage.
It said medical examinations and other investigative procedures were ongoing to ascertain all facts surrounding the case.
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