A quiet tragedy has descended upon the Obanleku community in Cross River State following the death of a 13-year-old girl named Nancy. Her life was cut short after being subjected to a brutal beating by 45-year-old Roman Samson, the founder of the Goodness of Jesus Ministry.
The incident began on June 1, 2026, when Nancy’s mother, Agnes Peter, accused her daughter of stealing N30,000. Seeking discipline, the mother took the girl to the pastor’s residence. While the mother claims she only requested counselling and moral guidance, the pastor alleges she explicitly instructed him to beat the teenager.
According to Agnes, she left the girl with the pastor to search for the missing cash, which she eventually discovered in her daughter’s pocket. Upon returning, she encountered the pastor rushing an unresponsive Nancy to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Pastor Samson, who has supported the family for years, admitted to using a horsewhip on the minor. He claims he delivered about 13 to 15 strokes before noticing the girl losing consciousness. He stated he never intended to cause her death and deeply regrets the outcome.
Cross River State Police spokesperson, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, confirmed that both the mother and the pastor are currently in police custody. Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the case, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring justice is served for the deceased teenager.
