Chaos broke out in Yonen community, Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State on Tuesday after a woman identified as Blessing Eno, reportedly killed her 11-month-old baby.
It was gathered that the mother of two, who claimed to be led by the ‘spirit,’, cut off the head of the baby with a machete, saying the boy was disturbing her and a spirit instructed her to slaughter him.
Her eight-year-old son was said to have raised the alarm that attracted neighbours to the scene of the crime.
The quick response of the police, who took her into protective custody, averted an angry mob from exerting jungle justice on her.
The Paramount Ruler of Yakurr LGA, HRM Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng, who called for calm, expressed shock over the tragic incident, saying he had immediately convened an emergency meeting with his subjects to ensure that further bloodshed was averted.
“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 stated.
Confirming the incident, the state police spokesperson, SP Irene Ugbo, said the matter has been transferred to the Homicide Department of the State CID for onward investigation.
