Residents of Calabar, Cross River State, have been thrown into shock and anger following the alleged killing of a 10-year-old girl by her father over a missing petrol pipe.
The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday evening at Esit Ebom Street in Calabar South Local Government Area.
The suspect, identified as Joseph Emmanuel, was said to be involved in the sale of black-market petrol and used the pipe to siphon fuel into motorcycles and vehicles belonging to customers.
According to eyewitnesses, Emmanuel returned home and began searching for the pipe. When it could not be found, he allegedly questioned his daughter about its whereabouts.
The situation reportedly escalated after the child could not provide an explanation, leading to an assault.
Concerned neighbours intervened and rushed the girl to a nearby church in an attempt to save her, but she was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
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The incident immediately sparked outrage in the community, with residents attempting to attack the suspect before security operatives arrived.
The matter was reported to the Atakpa Police Station, and officers promptly intervened, rescuing the suspect from an angry mob.
He was said to have sustained injuries during the chaos and was taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for medical attention.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Command, ASP Sunday Eitokpa, said the suspect is currently in police custody.
He disclosed that Emmanuel allegedly confessed to the act but claimed it was not intentional, stating that he acted in anger.
The police spokesperson added that the body of the deceased has been deposited in a morgue, while investigations are ongoing. He noted that the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The tragic incident has reignited public calls for stronger action against child abuse and domestic violence across the state.