By Abasi Ita
Residents of Calabar were thrown into shock on Tuesday evening following the death of a 10 year old girl, allegedly beaten by her father during a domestic altercation at Esit Ebom Street in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 7:30 pm when the suspect, identified as Joseph Emmanuel, returned home and discovered that a petrol pipe he used for transferring fuel into his commercial motorcycle and customers’ vehicles was missing. The child, said to be his first daughter, was questioned about the missing item but could not give an explanation.
According to eyewitness accounts, Emmanuel allegedly became enraged and assaulted the girl, kicking her on the ribs. She reportedly began to convulse and bleed from the nose shortly after the attack. Neighbours rushed the child to a nearby church in an attempt to save her, but she was later confirmed dead.
The incident sparked outrage in the community, with angry youths attempting to lynch the suspect before the matter was reported to the Atakpa Police Station. Police operatives intervened swiftly and rescued Emmanuel from the mob.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Command, ASP Sunday Eti, said the suspect sustained injuries from the mob and was taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for medical treatment before being placed in custody.
The police spokesperson disclosed that Emmanuel admitted to assaulting his daughter but claimed he did not intend to kill her, stating that his actions were carried out in anger.
He added that the body of the deceased has been deposited in a morgue, while investigations are ongoing. The suspect, he said, will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.