By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River State Police Command has arrested Mrs Ibiong Unyime Bassey, a pastor of one of the churches in Calabar, for allegedly brutalising her 5-year-old niece, Edidiong Uwem Aniefiok Ekpene.
According to eyewitnesses, Mrs Bassey, whose husband is also a pastor, allegedly committed the act at their residence at 8 Stream Road, off Atimbo, Calabar Municipality. The victim is the daughter of the suspect’s brother and has been staying with her for a while now.
Ukorebi Esien, a conflict management expert and former State Coordinator of Partners for Peace in the Niger Delta, said the victim has been running errands and taking care of the suspect’s child of the same age.
Giving his account, Esien said, “Mrs Unyime Bassey beat this little girl, Edidiong, who is less than 7 years old,” and inflicted a high degree of injury on her.
Adding, “Mrs Unyime, has four children, the last child, Blessing is of the same age as Edidiong, but Edidiong is Blessing’s nanny. Edidiong runs errands and takes care of Blessing.
“At any slightest provocation, Edidiong is beaten to pulp. This is the last beating Edidiong got from her aunt, because she was accused of stealing meat from the pot of soup.
“All of her children are in school, except Edidiong. Neighbours report that this last beating shown is mild compared to others.
“Ironically, Mrs Unyime Bassey and her Husband are pastors,” Ukorebi said, stressing that the case has been reported at the Nigeria Police Force, Airport Division, Calabar Municipality.
In a statement on Wednesday, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, Police Public Relations Officer, Cross River State Command, said Mrs Bassey has been arrested and is under detention.
“We were able to arrest one Ibiong Unyime Bassey (female) in connection with a viral video depicting the abuse of a minor.
“The suspect, a resident of Atimbo Road, was arrested on 11th March 2026 at about 10:45hrs by men of the A Division Calabar of the Command, following swift action taken after the video surfaced online.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect allegedly assaulted her five-year-old niece, Edidiong Uwem Aniefiok Ekpene, with a spatula, causing injuries around the child’s right eye. Further examination also revealed bruises on other parts of the child’s body, suggestive of sustained abuse.
“Investigation is currently ongoing and further updates will be provided soon,” Eitokpah said.
