Cross River State Police Command has intensified efforts to apprehend Emmanuel Etim, who is wanted in connection with the alleged murder of his mother, Mrs. Atim Etim, after reportedly setting her ablaze over accusations of witchcraft in Akamkpa Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed that the suspect remains on the run, assuring the public that security operatives are working to bring him to justice.
«“Further information will be communicated to the public as soon as the suspect is apprehended and the facts of the matter are further established,” he said in a telephone conversation with our correspondence on Monday.»
The tragic incident has also drawn strong condemnation from the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), which has called for a thorough investigation and justice for the deceased.
According to the rights organisation, the attack occurred on Friday, August 14, 2026, in Ojuah community, Akamkpa Local Government Area, shortly after Emmanuel Etim lost his daughter.
BRCI said the suspect allegedly blamed his mother for the child’s death, accusing her of witchcraft. It stated that he reportedly travelled to her residence carrying about four litres of petrol and a lighter before confronting her over the incident.
During the confrontation, Etim allegedly accused his mother of being responsible for his daughter’s death and demanded an explanation. The situation reportedly turned violent when he attempted to strangle her.
The organisation said one of the victim’s daughters intervened after hearing her mother’s cries for help and managed to pull the suspect away.
As Mrs. Etim tried to escape, the suspect allegedly poured petrol on her and set her on fire.
Neighbours reportedly rushed to the scene, extinguished the flames and took the severely injured woman to a nearby hospital. She was later transferred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for specialised treatment but eventually died from the injuries she sustained.
BRCI disclosed that it first learned about the incident through a voice note circulated in a WhatsApp group of pastors. The organisation said it immediately contacted one of its partner organisations and began efforts to verify the report and monitor the victim’s condition.
According to the group, it was later confirmed on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, that Mrs. Etim had died while receiving treatment.
The organisation expressed concern over what it described as the growing danger posed by witchcraft accusations, especially against elderly people and other vulnerable members of society.
BRCI urged relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death and ensure that the alleged perpetrator is arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
