A10-year-old girl has reportedly been beaten to death by her father in Calabar South, Cross River State, after he accused her of stealing a petrol pipe used for transferring fuel.
The incident occurred at about 7:30pm on Wednesday at No. 3 Esit Ebom Street in Calabar South Local Government Area.
The suspect, identified as Joseph Emmanuel, who operates as a fuel dealer, was said to have returned home and searched for the missing petrol pipe.
When the pipe could not be located, Emmanuel allegedly questioned his daughter, who was unable to provide an explanation. He then reportedly lost his temper and started assaulting her.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the man kicked the girl on her ribs, causing her to convulse and bleed from the nose. Neighbours quickly rushed her to a nearby church in a bid to save her, but she was pronounced dead shortly after.
Residents were said to have attempted to lynch the suspect before the case was reported at Atakpa Police Station.
Police operatives reportedly arrived in time to rescue Emmanuel from the angry crowd.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Command, ASP Sunday Eitokpa, said the suspect was taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital after sustaining injuries from the mob.
Eitokpa said Emmanuel has confessed to the offence but claimed the act was not deliberate, adding that he acted in anger and did not intend to kill his daughter.
The police spokesman said the deceased’s body has been deposited in a morgue while investigations continue.
He added that the suspect would be charged to court once investigations are completed.
0 Comments