The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old pastor, Roman Samson, over the alleged death of a 13-year-old girl, Nancy Peter, who reportedly died after being flogged over an accusation of stealing N30,000.
The incident occurred in Obanleku community, Boki Local Government Area of the state, and has sparked outrage among residents.
According to the deceased’s mother, Agnes Peter, she took her daughter to the pastor’s residence on June 1 for counselling after discovering that N30,000 kept in their home had gone missing.
Agnes said the teenager allegedly admitted taking the money and revealed where it had been hidden.
She explained that she left the pastor’s residence to verify the claim and eventually recovered the money from one of the girl’s pairs of trousers.
However, on her way back, she reportedly met the pastor rushing Nancy to a hospital.
“I met them on the road. I didn’t know he had beaten her,” the grieving mother said.
The teenager was later confirmed dead at the medical facility.
The suspect reportedly admitted flogging the girl but denied intending to kill her.
According to him, he administered between 13 and 15 strokes of a horsewhip after the girl’s mother complained that her daughter had repeatedly stolen money.
He said he became concerned after noticing that the teenager had become weak and immediately took her to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the pastor’s arrest, adding that an investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death.
The incident has reignited concerns over the use of corporal punishment and the treatment of children accused of misconduct.
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Residents of Obanleku community described Nancy as a cheerful young girl whose death has thrown the community into mourning.
The suspect remains in police custody as police continue investigations ahead of possible prosecution.
