Seventeen youths have been apprehended by the Ebonyi State Police Command after they allegedly burnt a man alive in the Enohia Itim village, located in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The arrest was made shortly after the incident on Friday, January 5, 2024. The suspect’s actions were linked to accusations that the victim, Uromchi Okorocha, had been involved in witchcraft and other diabolical practices, which they claimed had led to the deaths of several people in the community.
According to the Nigeria Police Force, the youths took matters into their own hands when they captured Okorocha. Instead of handing him over to the authorities, they decided to take drastic and unlawful action, effectively becoming the judge, jury, and executioner. The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that the police were alerted to the situation by the time the crime had already occurred. The Uwanna Division dispatched a tactical team to the scene in an attempt to rescue Okorocha, but unfortunately, they arrived too late, finding that the victim had already been killed and set on fire by the mob.
The suspects provided valuable information to the police during their interrogation. Following the investigation, they are expected to be charged in court. Despite the police’s ongoing warnings against mob justice and vigilante actions, incidents like this continue to occur, highlighting the need for further awareness and law enforcement.
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