Nigerians react as man accused of witchcraft burns to death in Ebonyi

• 17 suspects were arrested after burning alive Uromchi Okorocha at Enohia Itim, Ebonyi, over accusations of witchcraft, despite police intervention efforts.
• The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, condemned the act of jungle justice and urged citizens to allow legal authorities to deal with criminal charges.
• The incident sparked widespread outrage and Nigerians called for awareness campaigns to prevent witchcraft-related violence.

Afikpo North, ebony state – The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested 17 persons accused of burning a man alive over witchcraft allegations.

The tragic incident, which has sparked outrage throughout Nigeriaoccurred on January 3 in Enohia Itim village, Afikpo North Local Government Area of ​​Ebonyi State.

According to a statement issued by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, spokesperson for the Force Headquarters in Abujathe victim, Uromchi Okorochashe was accused by local youths of using witchcraft to cause multiple deaths in the community.

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“The suspects had mobilized and detained the deceased. Instead of handing him over to the legal authorities, they decided to take justice into their own hands, becoming judge, jury and executioner,” Adejobi said.

Despite the efforts of the Uwanna Division police To intervene, the mob had already killed and burned Mr. Okorocha before the officers could reach the scene, Premium Times reported.

IGP condemns justice in the jungle

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, strongly condemned the act of jungle justice, describing it as barbaric and illegal. He called on Nigerians to allow the legal system to deal with criminal allegations, Vanguard reported.

“Citizens are urged to desist from taking the law into their own hands and report any suspicion of criminal activity to the nearest police division or formation around them,” the IGP said.

Reaffirming the Nigerian Police’s commitment to ensuring public safety and justice, he added:

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“Efforts are underway to ensure that perpetrators of heinous acts face the full wrath of the law.”

Police commitment to justice

He Ebony State The Police Command has assured the public that justice will be served. Mr. Adejobi emphasized the determination of the Force to protect the lives of all Nigerians and bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring a safe environment for all citizens,” he said.

Nigerians react to justice in the jungle in Ebonyi

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights defenders and citizens across Nigeria. Social media platforms are filled with comments criticizing the practice of jungle justice.

A tweet from @BOsundare read:

This is inhumane. Witchcraft accusations should not lead to such brutality. Witchcraft murders are a relic of backwardness. “Communities must embrace education and legal conflict resolution.”

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@Odunolaspeaks said:

“Everyone behind this nonsense should be arrested and prosecuted.”

@IfeObiora125 said:

“This act of barbarism should be the last of its kind. Communities need awareness campaigns to understand the consequences of taking the law into their hands,” said the civil rights defender.

A social commentator, Oladotun Hassan, while speaking with Legit.ng On Monday, January 6, he said

“Witchcraft-related violence remains a major problem in southern Nigeria. In many poor and rural communities, unexplained misfortunes, such as illnesses or deaths, are often attributed to witchcraft, leading to tragic incidents like this” .

Police rescue stolen two-month-old baby

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that operatives of the lagos state police command Five child traffickers were arrested. 2 month old baby for sale.

The missing baby was rescued during a naming ceremony at the new parents’ residence in Lagos.

State Police Spokesperson SP Benjamin Hundeyin revealed that all suspects will be arraigned in court after investigation.

Source: Legit.ng