17 arrested over killing, burning of alleged witch in Ebonyi
The 17 suspected arrested over murder of the alleged witch in Ebonyi
Published By: Ayorinde Oluokun
By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
Operatives of Ebonyi Police Command have arrested 17 suspects in Enohia Itim village, Afikpo LGA for the murder of a man alleged to be a witch identified as Uromchi Okorocha
Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force announced this in a statement on Sunday while giving update on recent activities of the police across the country.
According to the statement, the local youths accused Okorocha of being involved in the killing of several individuals through alleged witchcraft and spiritual means in Enohia Itim village.
They subsequently mobilized and apprehended him on January 3.
But instead of handing him over to the police, the youths decided to take law into their hands by killing and burning Okorocha.
He said the suspected witch had been killed before police operatives got to the village.
Consequently, the police operatives arrested the 17 youths for taking part in the killing of Okorocha.
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“The police operatives of the Uwanna Division mobilized tactical teams to the scene on a rescue mission but the angry mob had already killed and burned Mr Okorocha before the arrival of the Police team.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., condemns this act of jungle justice in totality. Citizens are once again urged to refrain from taking laws into their hands and report any suspected criminal activities to the nearest police division or formation around them for necessary action,” Adejobi said in the statement.
Adejobi also listed as among the achievements of the police for the week the rescue of four kidnapped hostages on Saturday, January 4th 2025 by operatives of Imo Command.
He said the daring rescue operation was carried out in anne, Ohaji LGA, Imo State after the abduction was reported to the police.
“The police operatives swiftly swung into action, locating the criminal hideout and engaging the kidnappers in a fierce gun-duel, during which 2 of the kidnappers were neutralized.
“The success of the operation led to the rescue of the 4 victims and the recovery of 1 Ak-47 rifle, 1 Ak-47 magazine and 21 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition.
“The Force reaffirms its resolute devotion to combatting heinous crimes such as this, and assures members of the public that efforts to rid off criminal elements from our society will continue relentlessly, ensuring the safety and security of all residents,” Adejobi said.
