A woman has been arrested for allegedly beheading her 11 months child in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.

It was gathered that the mother of two allegedly used a machete to cut off the head of the baby.

An eyewitness disclosed that the woman’s 8-year-old son caught his mother while carrying out the act and raised an alarm which attracted neighbours.

It was learned that the timely intervention of the police operatives, who immediately took the lady into protective custody and moved her out of the community, saved her from the mob.

Confirming the incident on Wednesday, the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo, said the child was killed on Tuesday, adding that the police immediately stepped in to prevent mob action against the woman.

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Ugbo said the case will be transferred from Ugep to the homicide department for proper investigation.

“It is quite unfortunate and devastating, already she is in protective custody, but the matter will surely be brought to Calabar,” the police spokesman added.

Meanwhile, the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, Obol Ofem-Ubana Eteng, has called for calm as the police investigate the matter.

“I immediately convened a meeting with my subjects because even though what happened has desecrated the land, I had to ensure that further bloodshed was averted.

“We appealed directly to young people in Ugep to tow the path of peace and rational thought in the face of this heinous crime and they positively responded.

“We are in shock, but we are calm and have left this matter in the hands of the police.

“I assure you that there will be no reprisal action because we must remain law-abiding,” he said.

The Star