Man allegedly kills teenage daughter accused of witchcraft in Calabar

The Cross River State Police Command in Nigeria has launched a manhunt for Apostle Ubong Bassey, a man accused of killing his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah, over alleged witchcraft.

Diaspora Digital Media gathered that the tragic incident occurred on Saturday, February 15, 2025.

The incident took place at around 4:00 PM at No. 7 Jacob Street, off Eyo Edem, in the Calabar South Local Government Area.

Deborah, who reportedly had Down Syndrome, was allegedly killed by her father, who is now on the run.

According to her younger brother, Master Bassey, the events leading to her death were both heartbreaking and horrifying.

Master Bassey recounted that he had gone to open the door to the room where Deborah was locked up to help her dispose of her feces.

However, their father, Apostle Ubong, insisted that Deborah handle it herself. After she complied, Deborah slipped and fell on her way back to the room.

Bassey called for their father, who entered the room and asked the children to leave while he attended to her.

After a prolonged period, Apostle Ubong called his children back into the room and announced that Deborah had passed away.

Deborah’s mother, who had been estranged from Apostle Ubong, revealed that this was not the first instance of violence in the family.

She recounted years of physical abuse, which eventually forced her to flee the home. Despite her efforts to protect her children, she was unable to save Deborah from this tragic fate.

“We have suffered severe physical abuse, leading to my running away,” she said. “I never gave up the struggle to liberate my children, but now my daughter is gone. I call on well-meaning Nigerians to ensure that Deborah gets justice.”

The case has drawn widespread attention, with several organizations, including Women Arise, UNICAL, Project Alert, Etinosa Yvonne, Gary Foxcroft, Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, Safe Child Africa, and James Ibor, offering support to the family.

These groups are working to ensure that the family remains safe while the police continue their investigation.

The Cross River State Police Command has assured the public that they are actively pursuing Apostle Ubong Bassey and will bring him to justice.

What is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic condition where a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in a total of 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46.

This extra chromosome affects the development of the brain and body, leading to physical, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms.

People with Down syndrome often have distinct physical features, such as a flattened face, almond-shaped eyes, a short neck, and small ears, hands, and feet.

They may also experience developmental delays, learning disabilities, and health problems, like congenital heart defects, hearing loss, and obstructive sleep apnea.

There are three types of Down syndrome: Trisomy 21, where each cell has three separate copies of chromosome 21; Translocation Down syndrome, where an extra part or whole extra chromosome 21 is attached to a different chromosome; and Mosaic Down syndrome, where some cells have three copies of chromosome 21, while others have the typical two copies.

While Down syndrome is a lifelong condition, with proper care and support, people with Down syndrome can lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

Dangers of witchcraft branding

The incident has reignited discussions about the dangers of witchcraft branding and the need for stronger protections for vulnerable individuals, particularly children and those with disabilities.

It poses a grave danger to vulnerable individuals, particularly children and those with disabilities, as it often leads to severe abuse, abandonment, and even death.

This practice is rooted in deep-seated cultural beliefs and superstitions that scapegoat individuals for misfortunes such as illness, poverty, or natural disasters.

The lack of strong legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms exacerbates the dangers of witchcraft branding.

While Nigeria has laws against child abuse and murder, these laws are often inadequately enforced, particularly in rural areas where traditional beliefs are deeply entrenched.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook