The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old pastor, Roman Samson, for allegedly flogging a 13-year-old girl, Nancy Peter, to death over theft accusation.

Nancy Peter was accused of stealing N30,000 from her mother.

The incident occurred in Obanleku community, Boki Local Government Area of the state, and has sparked outrage among residents.

According to the deceased’s mother, Agnes Peter, she took her daughter to the pastor’s residence on June 1 for counselling after discovering that N30,000 she had kept at home was missing.

Agnes said the teenager allegedly confessed to taking the money and disclosed where it was hidden.

She reportedly left the pastor’s residence to verify the claim and recovered the money from one of her daughter’s trousers.

However, while returning, she met the pastor rushing the teenager to a hospital.

“I met them on the road. I didn’t know he had beaten her,” Agnes said.

Nancy was later confirmed dead at the hospital.

The suspect reportedly admitted flogging the teenager, but denied attempting to kill her.

He claimed he administered between 13 and 15 strokes of a horsewhip after the girl’s mother complained about repeated incidents of theft.

The pastor said he became alarmed after noticing that the girl had become weak and immediately took her to a medical facility, where she was pronounced dead.

Police authorities confirmed the arrest of the suspect and had commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

The tragic incident has raised concerns over the use of corporal punishment and the treatment of children accused of misconduct.

Residents of the community described the deceased as a lively young girl whose death left the area in mourning.

The suspect remains in police custody pending the outcome of investigations and possible prosecution.