The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a stern warning against the act of jungle justice and emphasized the importance of reporting suspected criminal activities to the police for appropriate action. This call follows the tragic murder of Uromchi Okorocha in Enohia Itim Village, Afikpo Local Government Area (LGA), Ebonyi State, where he was brutally killed over witchcraft allegations.
In a statement released by the Force Spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP strongly condemned the actions of the mob involved in Okorocha’s death, stressing that no matter the provocation, citizens should not take laws into their own hands. The police force reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice for victims of violent crimes and pledged to continue its efforts to uphold public safety.
The Gruesome Murder in Ebonyi State
On January 3, 2025, police operatives from the Ebonyi State Command arrested 17 individuals in connection with the murder of Uromchi Okorocha. According to reports, Okorocha was accused by local youths of using witchcraft to kill several individuals. Rather than surrendering him to the authorities, the mob resorted to vigilante justice, killing and burning Okorocha before the police could intervene.
The police arrived at the scene in a rescue attempt, but tragically, they found that the suspect had already been murdered by the mob. This incident has raised serious concerns about the growing trend of jungle justice in the country, where citizens take the law into their own hands instead of relying on the judicial system.
Police Rescue Operation in Imo State
In a separate incident, police operatives in Imo State conducted a successful operation on January 4, 2025, which led to the rescue of four kidnapped victims. The operation took place in Umuokanne, Ohaji LGA, after a distress call was made reporting the abduction of the individuals.
Upon receiving the distress call, the police acted swiftly, identifying the hideout of the kidnappers. The operatives engaged in a gunfight with the criminals, resulting in the neutralization of two kidnappers. In addition to rescuing the hostages, the police recovered a cache of weapons, including an AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, and 21 rounds of live ammunition.
The success of this operation highlights the commitment of the police force to combatting kidnapping and other violent crimes, assuring the public that efforts to rid the society of criminal elements will continue.
IGP’s Reaffirmation of Commitment to Public Safety
IGP Kayode Egbetokun reiterated the force’s unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians. He encouraged citizens to collaborate with security agencies by providing useful intelligence that could help prevent crime and bring criminals to justice.
“While we condemn the brutal acts of jungle justice, we also urge Nigerians to partner with law enforcement in preventing crime. The police are always ready to respond to distress calls and bring perpetrators of crime to justice,” Egbetokun stated.
The IGP assured the public that the police force will remain relentless in its fight against crimes such as kidnapping, robbery, and other forms of violent crime, ensuring that the rule of law prevails in every part of the country.