The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 17 individuals in Ebonyi State over the brutal murder of Uromchi Okorocha, who was accused of using witchcraft to kill several people in the Enohia Itim village of Afikpo Local Government Area.
The suspects allegedly mobilised themselves to apprehend Okorocha, who was accused by local youths of being involved in multiple deaths through alleged witchcraft and spiritual means. Instead of handing him over to the authorities, they resorted to taking the law into their own hands. According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, the suspects killed Okorocha and set his body ablaze before the police arrived at the scene on January 3, 2025.
Adejobi condemned the act of “jungle justice,” highlighting that the suspects became judge, jury, and executioner by killing Okorocha before the police could intervene. The police operatives from the Uwanna Division, who were dispatched to the scene for a rescue mission, arrived too late to prevent the fatal act.
Imo Police Neutralize Kidnappers and Rescue Hostages
In a separate operation in Imo State, police operatives successfully rescued four victims held hostage by suspected kidnappers in the Ohaji Local Government Area during a gun duel on January 4, 2025. The operation was carried out following a distress call reporting the abduction of the victims from Umuokanne.
The police tracked down the kidnappers’ hideout and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. Two of the kidnappers were killed during the clash. The police recovered an AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, and 21 rounds of live ammunition. The four kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed and returned to safety.
IGP Condemns Jungle Justice and Reaffirms Commitment to Public Safety
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, condemned the act of jungle justice in Ebonyi State and urged citizens to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. He reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensuring public safety and providing justice for victims of violent crimes.
The IGP also encouraged citizens to report any suspected criminal activities to the nearest police division or formation to aid in the fight against crime and create a safer society.
