Mother and Pastor Arrested After Death of 14-Year-Old Girl

The Nigeria Police Force in Cross River State is looking into the death of a 14-year-old girl, Nancy Peter. She reportedly died after being beaten by her mother and a pastor in Boki Local Government Area.

The police have taken the victim’s mother, Agnes Peter, 45, and a pastor, Samson Dago, 43, into custody. This incident happened in Wula Community.

On Monday, Eitokpah Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, shared details of the case. He said early investigations indicate that the teenager was beaten after being accused of stealing.

Assistant Superintendent Sunday explained that Agnes Peter allegedly hit her daughter before taking her to Pastor Samson Dago, who also allegedly flogged her with a cane.

"Preliminary findings reveal that the victim was allegedly beaten by her mother, Mrs Agnes Peter, aged 45 years, over allegations of theft. It was further alleged that the mother subsequently took the child to a pastor, Pastor Samson Roman Dago, aged 43 years, who also allegedly subjected the minor to corporal punishment using a cane (koboko)," the statement said.

The police reported that after the beating, the teenager became unconscious. She was rushed to a medical facility in Wula Community, where doctors confirmed she was dead.

The police have also responded to social media claims that the girl was sexually assaulted before her death. Mr Sunday stated that investigators have not found any evidence to support this claim.

The spokesperson assured that a thorough investigation is underway. They want to find out what happened to the girl and how involved everyone connected to the incident is.

He added that legal action would follow based on what they find out during the investigation.

This tragic event has raised fresh worries about child abuse and corporal punishment in Nigeria, even though there are laws meant to protect children.