Police arrest 17 for killing suspected wizard, rescue kidnap victims

Police arrest 17 for killing suspected wizard, rescue kidnap victims

The Nigeria Police Force has rescued four kidnapped hostages and arrested 17 persons for the murder of an alleged wizard in two separate operations in Imo and Ebonyi states respectively.

Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, January 5.

Adejobi said police operatives attached to the Imo State Command successfully executed a daring rescue operation that led to the safe liberation of four kidnapped hostages.

He said the operation was carried out on Saturday, January 4, after the operatives received a distress call reporting the abduction of four persons in Umuokanne, Ohaji LGA, Imo State.

“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 neutralised.

“The success of the operation led to the rescue of the four victims and the recovery of one Ak-47 rifle, one Ak-47 magazine and 21 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition,” the statement reads in part.

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Adejobi reaffirmed the NPF’s resolute devotion to combating heinous crimes such as the abduction and assured members of the public that efforts to rid off criminal elements from the society would continue relentlessly, ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

Meanwhile, on January 3, police operatives attached to the Ebonyi State Command arrested 17 suspects in Enohia Itim village, Afikpo LGA for the murder of one Uromchi Okorocha, who was accused by local youths of being involved in the killing of several individuals through alleged witchcraft and spiritual means.

Adejobi said the suspects had mobilised and apprehended the deceased, but rather than handing him over to legal authorities and committing to the rule of law, they decided to take laws into their hands, becoming judge, jury and executioner.

He said police operatives attached to Uwanna Division mobilised tactical teams to the scene on a rescue mission but the angry mob had already killed and burned Okorocha before the arrival of the police team.

Adejobi said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun condemned 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.

“The efforts of the police are constant reaffirmations of the dedication to bring to book perpetrators of heinous acts of crime in our societies.

“The IGP once again reiterates the unwavering commitment of the force to public safety and justice for victims of violent crimes.

“Citizens are encouraged to engage with security agencies, providing any information that may assist in the ultimate goal of creating a utopian society for all,” the FPRO said.

Police arrest 17 for killing suspected wizard, rescue kidnap victims