Police launch manhunt for C’River pastor over death of daughter with Down Syndrome

Police launch manhunt for C’River pastor over death of daughter with Down Syndrome

The Cross River State Police Command has allegedly launched a manhunt for a pastor, Apostle Ubong Bassey, over the d3ath of his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah, accused of witchcraft.

According to Journalist, Agba Jalingo, who confirmed the incident on Thursday, February 20, Deborah, who had Down Syndrome, was allegedly accused of being a witch and snake by her father.

The incident, which took place on Saturday 15 February 2025 at about 4pm at No. 7 Jacob Street off Eyo Edem, Calabar South Local Government Area of the state, left neighbours in shock.

The deceased’s brother, Master Bassey narrated to the police how the sister d!ed, saying that at around 4pm, he went to open the door where his sister was locked up to assist her dispose of her faeces. But his father insisted she disposed of it herself.

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She did and, on her way back to the room, slipped and fell on the floor. Bassey called on their father, Apostle Ubong who, on entering the room, asked him to leave while he attended to her.

The children were shocked when, after a long while, their father called them into the room and announced to them that their elder sister had passed on.

According to Apostle Ubong’s estranged wife who had been locked in custody with the suspect, over their 3 children, this was not the first act of violence.

“We (mother and children including the deceased) have suffered severe physical abuses leading to my running away,” she narrated even as she never gave up the struggle to liberate her kids.

She called on well-meaning Nigerians to ensure her daughter gets justice.

“We thank Women Arise, UNICAL, Project Alert, Etinosa Yvonne, Gary Foxcroft, Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, Safe Child Africa and James Ibor for their support to help our family stay safe while the Police carry on their investigations,” she said.