Summary: Cross River Police arrest pastor’s wife for allegedly assaulting her 5-year-old niece with a spatula in Calabar after viral video sparked public outrage.
A disturbing case of child abuse has rocked Calabar, Cross River State, as police arrested a pastor’s wife for allegedly assaulting her five-year-old niece with a kitchen spatula.
The suspect, identified as Ibiong Uyime Bassey, was apprehended by officers from the A Division Calabar following widespread public outcry after a viral video showed the young victim, Edidiong Uwem Aniefiok, with a severely swollen eye.
The Shocking Details
According to reports, the brutal assault was allegedly triggered by an incident many Nigerians would consider trivial—the little girl took meat from a pot of soup. What should have warranted at most a mild correction turned into a violent attack that left visible injuries on the innocent child.
The Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, confirmed the arrest in an official statement, revealing that the suspect was picked up on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at approximately 10:45 am.
“We were able to arrest one Ibiong Uyime Bassey (female) in connection with a viral video depicting the abuse of a minor,” ASP Sunday stated. “The suspect, a resident of Atimbo Road, was arrested following swift action taken after the video surfaced online.”
Evidence of Sustained Abuse
Perhaps most disturbing is what further examination of the child revealed. According to police preliminary findings, the injuries were not limited to the swollen eye.
“Further examination also revealed bruises on other parts of the child’s body suggestive of sustained abuse,” the police spokesperson disclosed, indicating that this may not have been an isolated incident.
The discovery has raised serious questions about how long the child may have been suffering in silence before the video brought her plight to public attention.
Public Outrage and Swift Police Response
The viral video sparked immediate outrage across Nigerian social media, with citizens demanding justice for the defenceless child. Many Nigerians expressed shock that someone in a pastoral position—expected to show love and compassion—could allegedly inflict such harm on a vulnerable child under her care.
The swift police response has been commended by child rights advocates who often complain about delayed action in domestic abuse cases.
Investigation Ongoing
According to ASP Sunday, investigations into the matter are currently ongoing, with police working to establish the full extent of the abuse and whether there are other victims.
“Investigation is currently ongoing and further updates will be provided soon,” he assured the public.
The case highlights the persistent problem of child abuse in Nigerian homes, particularly against children living with relatives. Rights groups have repeatedly called for stronger enforcement of child protection laws and increased public awareness about reporting suspected cases of abuse.
As investigations continue, many Nigerians await justice for little Edidiong, hoping this case will serve as a deterrent to others who abuse children in their care.
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