Crime
Police Probe Death of Cross River Teen Following Alleged Flogging by Mother and Pastor
A 14-year-old girl, Nancy Peter, has reportedly died after allegedly enduring severe physical punishment from her mother and a pastor in Wula Community, Eastern Boki, within Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.
According to preliminary findings by the Cross River State Police Command, Nancy was first flogged by her mother, Mrs.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed that both the mother and the pastor have been arrested and are currently being held in police custody. He stated that a full-scale investigation has been launched to uncover the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death and determine the extent of responsibility of all individuals involved.
No Evidence of Sexual Assault
The police also responded to reports circulating on social media suggesting that the teenager was sexually assaulted. According to the command, there is currently no evidence to support such claims, noting that medical examinations and other investigative processes are still underway.
Community sources disclosed that Nancy reportedly became unconscious after the beating and was rushed to a health facility in Wula, where medical personnel later confirmed that she was brought in dead.
Child Rights Advocates React
The incident has generated widespread condemnation and renewed concerns about child protection and the consequences of excessive corporal punishment.
Reacting to the development, child rights advocate James Ibor, Principal Counsel at the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, described the incident as disturbing and unacceptable.
He expressed concern that such a tragedy could occur despite existing child protection laws, emphasizing that physical punishment can leave lasting emotional and physical scars on children.
Ibor stressed that no child should be subjected to discipline to the point of collapse and urged law enforcement authorities to ensure that justice is served.
The incident has left residents of the community shocked, while calls continue to mount for the prosecution of those found responsible and for stricter enforcement of child protection laws across Nigeria.
