The Cross River State Police Command has arrested 26 suspects over the alleged killing of a woman accused of witchcraft.

The police disclosed this in a statement by the command its spokesperson, SP Irene Ugbo, in Calabar on Tuesday.

Ms Ugbo, who said the suspects were arrested at various locations in the state, said the command had commenced investigations into the matter to determine the culpability of the suspects.

She said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Gyogon Grimah, had directed that those involved in the killing would be prosecuted.

The deceased, Martina Itagbor, was accused of witchcraft by the suspects, specifically of being responsible for the death of some youths who had died in a car crash.

Ms Itagbor, a mother of four, was beaten and burnt alive by some youths in the Netim community in the Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River.

Ms Ugbo reiterated that no stone would be left unturned to ensure that the perpetrators of the dastardly act were brought to book.

“It is unfortunate that despite lacking concrete proof or hard evidence, this woman, who had been an integral part of the community, fell victim to a heinous act of violence by some unscrupulous elements.

“To compound the tragedy, she was denied the dignity of a proper burial, as those responsible took the law into their own hands by allegedly washing away the ashes of her remains.”

According to her, the complainant’s petition points accusing fingers at the youths within the community.

(NAN)