Authorities in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State have begun an intensive investigation into a disturbing viral video showing an elderly man enclosed in a casket alongside a c0rpse. The video, which surfaced online on November 19, 2025, shows the elderly man being assaulted by a group of youths while voices speaking the Bekwarra language were heard in the background. It was gathered that the youths forced the man into the coffin after accusing him of witchcraft and k!lling the deceased. They insisted that if he did not confess to the allegation, he would be buried alongside the corpse. The disturbing incident triggered public outrage and widespread condemnation. In a statement signed by the Acting Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area, Hon. Egbung, Odama Egbung, said he immediately contacted all security heads across the local government after the footage began circulating. According to him, the brutality seen in the video prompted urgent action to verify the authenticity of the recording and identify the individuals involved. He said preliminary investigations by all security heads across the local government have not been able to identify the particular ward, village or community where the scene was allegedly perpetrated. He instructed the Ward Relations Officers of all the political wards to liaise with their clan heads, chiefs and community youth leaders in their various wards to identify the victim and those responsible for the video. The Acting Chairman noted that they are yet to identify the victim and where the scene on the video was recorded. While investigations are ongoing, he appealed to the public with first hand information on the scene of the alleged assault to kindly speak up while urging residents to contact the ward relations officer in their various wards or visit the Divisional Police Headquarters, Abuochiche with useful information. Also, forensic investigators are also tracing the source and authenticity of the said video. Social media handles of some individuals who shared the content are said to be have been documented for the purposes of questioning and investigation into the source and authenticity. The public are urged to remain calm and vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the law enforcement authorities.
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