Ebonyi State police command have arrested 17 suspects in connection with the brutal killing of Uromchi Okorocha, a resident of Enohia Itim village in Afikpo Local Government Area of the State.
The victim was accused by the irate youths of using alleged witchcraft and other spiritual practices to cause the deaths of many community members.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesman of the Force, Mr. Ademuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that on January 3rd, the suspects detained Okorocha but chose to bypass legal channels, instead resorted to mob action.
“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.
Meanwhile, 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.
