Child Rights Advocates Demand Justice for Nancy Peter

A 14-year-old girl, Nancy Peter, has died after allegedly being subjected to severe corporal punishment by her mother and a pastor in Cross River State, police have said.
The incident occurred in Wula Community, Eastern Boki, in Boki Local Government Area, and has triggered widespread outrage among residents and child rights advocates.
According to the Cross River State Police Command, preliminary investigations suggest that Nancy was first beaten by her mother, Mrs Agnes Peter, 45, before being taken to a local pastor, Samson Roman Dago, 43, who allegedly continued the punishment with a cane over accusations that the teenager had stolen an item.
Police spokesperson ASP Sunday Eitokpah confirmed that both suspects had been arrested and were assisting investigators.
“Both the mother and the pastor are currently in police custody, while a comprehensive investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death and the level of involvement of all parties,” he said.
Community sources told local authorities that Nancy reportedly lost consciousness after the alleged beating and was rushed to a health facility in Wula, where medical personnel confirmed she was dead on arrival.
The police also addressed reports circulating on social media alleging that the teenager was sexually assaulted.
According to the command, there is currently no evidence to support those claims, adding that medical examinations and other investigative procedures are still ongoing.
“There is no evidence at this stage to substantiate allegations of sexual assault,” the police said, noting that investigations remain active.
Child Rights Advocates Demand Justice
The case has reignited concerns over child protection and the dangers of excessive corporal punishment in Nigeria.
Reacting to the incident, child rights advocate James Ibor, Principal Counsel at the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, described the teenager’s death as “disturbing and unacceptable”.
He said it was alarming that such a tragedy could occur despite existing child protection laws.
“No child should be disciplined to the point of collapse,” Mr Ibor said, urging law enforcement agencies to ensure justice is served.
He added that excessive physical punishment can cause lasting physical and emotional harm to children and called for stricter enforcement of child protection legislation.
The incident has left many residents of Wula Community in shock, with growing calls for those responsible to be prosecuted and for stronger measures to safeguard children’s rights across the country.