Some indigenes of Ogbunike community in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Wednesday burnt a suspected kidnapper alive, while rescuing a female victim held by the gang.
The group had operated in Ogidi, a neighbouring community in Idemili North Local Government Area, and were on their way to their hideout when indigenes blocked the road they were plying through, and arrested them.
The state police command’s spokesperson, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the incident, said police operatives in the area were also alerted, but when they arrived, one of the two arrested suspects had already been incinerated.
Ikenga said: “In the early hours of today 3/5/2023, police operatives attached to Ogbunike Division responding to a distress call along St Monica College Road, Ogbunike, arrested one Mr Jamui Emiron ‘m’ aged 22 years and recovered one already damaged yellow Mitsubishi L300 bus with Anambra reg nos: UKP 729 A.
“The suspect was among a gang of armed robbers that attacked and robbed occupants of a residential house in Ezi-Ogidi, abducted a female victim and was en route to their den before police were alerted.
“The members of the neighbourhood had already supported the police by blocking the exit points within the area, intercepting the vehicle and apprehended two of the gang members, while others escaped.
“Unfortunately, upon the arrival of the police operatives, one of the suspects has already been set ablaze by the mob, and the criminals’ operational vehicle damaged. The operatives rescued the victim, and arrested the second suspect and also impounded the vehicle.”
The police spokesperson said the rescued kidnap victim was already receiving treatment in the hospital, while the arrested suspect was helping police with investigation.
Ikenga also quoted the state police commissioner, CP Echeng Echeng as urging people to desist from taking laws into their hands by resorting to jungle justice. He said all suspects should be handed over to police for appropriate investigation.
