A man identified as Emmanuel Etim has allegedly set his mother, Atim Eyo, ablaze after accusing her of being responsible for the death of his daughter in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The confrontation began after Etim accused his mother of causing his daughter’s death through witchcraft.
According to sources, the man arrived at his mother’s residence with about four litres of fuel and a lighter and accused her of causing the death through witchcraft.
He allegedly attempted to strangle his mother during the confrontation but was stopped when one of her daughters intervened and struggled with him.
The woman broke free and attempted to escape, but Etim allegedly poured fuel on her and set her ablaze.
Neighbours who witnessed the incident intervened and put out the fire before taking the woman to a hospital for treatment.
The incident was subsequently reported to the police in Akamkpa, while Etim fled the area and remained at large.
Confirming the incident on Wednesday, the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Eitokpah, said the command was making efforts to apprehend the suspect.
“The unfortunate incident did occur as alleged in the report. However, the Police Command is currently making concerted efforts to apprehend the suspect, who is presently at large, to enable him to answer to the allegations against him,” Eitokpah said.
He added that further information would be made available after the suspect was apprehended and the facts of the case established.