Police Operatives attached to the Imo State Command have rescued operation four kidnapped hostages.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement issued Sunday said the operation was carried out on Saturday, January 4th 2025, after the operatives received a distress call reporting the abduction of four persons in Umuokanne, Ohaji LGA, Imo State.
He noted that 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 neutralized.
Adejobi added: “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.”
In another development, he revealed that on the 3rd of January, 2025, 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.
Babafemi stressed that the suspects had mobilised and apprehended the deceased, but instead of 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!: “The police operatives of the Uwanna Division mobilised tactical teams to the scene on a rescue mission but the angry mob had already killed and burned Mr Okorocha before the arrival of the Police team.
“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 own hands and report any suspected criminal activities to the nearest police division or formation around them for necessary action.”