A tragic incident has unfolded in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State, where a 29-year-old man, identified as Saviour Otu Adim, has been arrested for the alleged murder of his six-year-old stepdaughter, Goodness Ekpo Okon. The Cross River State Police Command announced the arrest following a report made on August 28, 2026.

According to the police spokesperson, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the suspect is accused of physically assaulting the young girl after allegedly accusing her of being a witch. The case was brought to the attention of the authorities by the child's mother, Mrs. Itoro Udofia, who reported the incident to the police.

In the statement released by the police, it was indicated that preliminary investigations suggest that the assault led to the child's untimely death. The remains of Goodness have been taken to a mortuary for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

The police have confirmed that Saviour Otu Adim is currently in custody as investigations continue. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Calabar for further examination and legal proceedings.

ASP Akata emphasized the importance of protecting children and urged the public to report any cases of abuse immediately. He also advised against spreading unverified information or taking the law into their own hands, highlighting the need for community vigilance in safeguarding children from harm.

This incident has raised concerns about child protection and the alarming accusations of witchcraft that can lead to tragic outcomes. The police are calling for heightened awareness and action to prevent such occurrences in the future.