There was an uproar in Yonen hamlet, Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River following the massacre of an 11-month-old infant by his mother, Mrs. Blessing Eno, who said she was directed to do so by a “Spirit.”
The unfortunate tragedy that occurred on Tuesday has left many in the community perplexed, since the circumstances leading up to the heinous deed have remained a mystery.
According to Vanguard, a mother of two who may be suffering from Schizophrenia (Mental Disorder) took out a matchet and hacked off the baby’s head, alleging that the infant was disturbing her and a spirit directed her to butcher the boy.
An eyewitness who requested anonymity said it was her eight-year-old son who discovered his headless brother and a bloodied mother who sounded the alarm, attracting neighbors to the crime scene.
However, the prompt involvement of the police, who immediately took the lady into protective custody before ferrying her out of Ugep, prevented an angry crowd from killing her at the station.
Meanwhile, HRM. Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng, Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr LGA, has expressed shock over the tragic incident while calling for calm.
The Monarch also assured the people that he was confident that the police would handle the situation professionally and logically.
He said :” I had to immediately convene a meeting with my subjects because even though what happened has desecrated the land, I had to ensure that further bloodshed was averted.
“We appealed directly to young people in Ugep, to tow the path of peace and rational thought in the face of this heinous crime and they positively responded.
“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 said .
When contacted , the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo confirmed the incident, adding that it was a homicide case and the matter was being transferred to State CID , Homicide department for onward investigation.
“I learned about the matter yesterday ( Tuesday) , you know it’s a homicide case, it will be transferred from Ugep to state CID, Homicide department for further investigation.
” it is quite unfortunate and devastating, already she is in protective custody , but the matter will surely be brought to Calabar,” Ugbo said.
On his part , a Child rights activist and Principal Counsel Basic rights Council Initiative BCRI, James Ibor Esq said there was no doubt the lady in question was mentally unstable.
He said when properly examined, her true state of mind would be ascertained.