C'River: Police Intensifies  Manhunt For  24 yrs Old Matricide

Ndifereke BASSEY

The Police in Cross River state have expanded its dragnet in search of a 24-year-old boy currently on the run after allegedly strangling his mother to death before dumping the body in a wall.

The tragedy, which took place in the Ohong community of Obudu local government area in Cross River North has sparked uproars, compelling the community leaders to mobilize men and resources to assist the Police who are intensifying efforts to track down the perpetrator of the sacrilegious crime, already described as an abominable act.

Findings revealed that the tragic incident which occurred two days ago has left the community in rude shock with many pinpointing to ritual killing or bank fraud as the underlying factors behind the dastardly act.

A source said the suspect allegedly tied up his mother, who had just returned from church, and, with the assistance of a friend, threw her into the well used for water storage.

The suspect, whose name has not been ascertained, reportedly threatened the housemaid who bumped into the scene, warning her against revealing the act.

Not satisfied with the threat and in a bid to cover up his track, the suspect, along with his accomplice tied up the housemaid and were transporting her on a motorcycle, ostensibly for sinister motives, when they spotted a local vigilante team on patrol, compelling the duo to abandoned their captive and flee.

The young girl who narrated the horrifying events led the vigilante to the crime scene where the body was discovered.

When contacted, the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer SP Irene Ugbo confirmed the incident to our correspondent in Calabar.

According to her, we are on it and will soon apprehend the suspect", she said.

She also disclosed that some money was transferred from the victim's account following her death and the command will soon apprehend the suspect.