Seventeen In Custody Over Burning To Death Of A Witchcraft Suspect In Ebonyi State

By Suleiman’ Anyalewechi

The Nigeria Police, on Sunday, January, 5, 2025 announced the arrest of 17 suspects in connection with the  extra-judicial killing of an Ebonyi state resident.

Uromchi Okorocha, a resident of Enohia Item community in Afikpo Local Council of Ebonyi State ,was set ablaze and burnt to death by an irate  mob over alleged involvement in witchcraft practice.

A statement issued  on Sunday, ,by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, informed that the arrested suspects mobilized and apprehended the deceased, but instead of handing him over to the law enforcement agencies ,as required by law ,they decided to take the laws into their hands .

Some eyewitness accounts revealed that the mob comprising youth from the community accused  the late Okorocha of using his witchcraft practice to kill several people ..

” Upon.receipt of a distress call on January 3rd ,the Police operatives of the Uwana Division mobilized tactical teams to the scene on a rescue mission, but the angry mob had already burnt Mr Okorocha to death.

“The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun condemns 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 Police spokesperson stated.

Further investigations, according to the Police, are underway to establish the actual facts surrounding the unfortunate incident.

This is even as it assured that all those found culpable will be prosecuted in line with the extant laws of the land.