Ebonyi youths set man abl@ze over alleged witchcraft

Police in Ebonyi State have apprehended 17 suspects in connection with the gruesome murder of Uromchi Okorocha, a resident of Enohia Itim village in Afikpo Local Government Area.

The youths accused Okorocha of using alleged witchcraft and other spiritual practices to cause the deaths of several community members.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Ademuyiwa Adejobi, revealed that on January 3rd, the suspects detained Okorocha but chose to bypass legal channels, instead resorting to mob justice.

“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 statement read.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, condemned the act of jungle justice, urging citizens to report suspected criminal activities to law enforcement rather than take matters into their own hands.

“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,” the statement added.

In a separate development, police operatives in Imo State successfully rescued four kidnapped victims following a daring operation.

The incident, which took place on January 4th, 2025, in Umuokanne, Ohaji Local Government Area, was initiated after authorities received a distress call reporting the abduction.

“The police operatives swiftly swung into action, locating the criminal hideout and engaging the kidnappers in a fierce gun duel, during which two of the kidnappers were neutralized,” the statement said.

The operation led to the safe recovery of the four hostages and the seizure of an AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, and 21 rounds of live ammunition.