A 45-year-old pastor, Roman Samson, has been arrested by the police in Cross River State for allegedly flogging a 13-year-old girl, Nancy Peter, to death over the alleged theft of ₦30,000 belonging to her mother.
The tragic incident occurred in Obanleku Community, Boki Local Government Area of the state, after the teenager’s mother, Agnes Peter, reportedly took her daughter to the pastor’s residence for counselling following accusations that she had repeatedly stolen money from her.
According to police sources, the girl allegedly confessed to taking the money and disclosed where it had been hidden. While her mother went to verify the claim, the pastor allegedly flogged the teenager with a horsewhip. By the time he rushed her to the hospital, she was confirmed dead.
The pastor, founder and General Overseer of Goodness of Jesus Ministry, admitted using a horsewhip on the teenager but denied intending to kill her.
“I only gave her about 13 to 15 strokes when I noticed she became very weak. I quickly rushed her to the hospital, but she died before we got there,” he said.
However, the deceased’s mother denied asking the pastor to beat her daughter, insisting that she only sought counselling and prayers.
“I didn’t tell him to kill my daughter. I only wanted him to scold and counsel her,” she said.
The incident has sparked outrage within the community, with residents demanding justice for the deceased teenager.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed that both the pastor and the girl’s mother are in custody while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Nancy Peter’s death.
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