Police operatives in Yonen, a community in the Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, have taken custody of a woman who butchered her 11 months old child or death.
The suspect identified simply as Blessing Eno told security men that a spirit instructed her to carry out the heinous act on her biological child.
Gallant Military Info learnt that the tragic incident happened on Tuesday evening and has left many in the community bewildered.
There are suspicions that the mother of two could be suffering from Schizophrenia (Mental Disorder).
Reports said she took out a matchet and cut off the head of the baby, claiming that the child was disturbing her and a spirit instructed her to slaughter the boy.
An eyewitness who pleaded anonymity told Vanguard that it was her eight-year-old son who stumbled on the gory sight of his headless brother who raised the alarm that attracted neighbours to the scene of the crime.
Police operatives responded swiftly to the distress call and prevented the angry mob from lynching her.
Reacting to the incident, the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr LGA, HRM. Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng said he received the report with shock.
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The Monarch, however, assured the people that he was certain that the police will handle the matter professionally to a logical conclusion.
He said: “I had to immediately convene a meeting with my subjects because even though what happened has desecrated the land, I had to ensure that further bloodshed was averted.
“We appealed directly to young people in Ugep, to tow the path of peace and rational thought in the face of this heinous crime and they positively responded.
“We are in shock but we are calm and have left this matter in the hands of the police, I can assure you that there will be no reprisal action because we must remain law-abiding,” he said.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo told reporters that the incident was a homicide case and the matter was being transferred to State CID, Homicide department for onward investigation.
“I learned about the matter yesterday ( Tuesday), you know it’s a homicide case, it will be transferred from Ugep to state CID, Homicide department for further investigation.
” it is quite unfortunate and devastating, already she is in protective custody, but the matter will surely be brought to Calabar,” Ugbo said.
On his part, a Child rights activist and Principal Counsel of Basic rights Council Initiative BCRI James Ibor Esq said there was no doubt the lady of in question was mentally unstable.
He said when properly examined, her true state of mind would be ascertained.
