Angry Mob Sets Suspected Kidnapper Ablaze In Anambra Community, Rescue Victim (Photos)

A suspected kidnapper was set ablaze by some indigenes of Ogbunike community in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Wednesday, May 3.

A female victim held by the gang of kidnappers was also rescued by the indigenes.

A statement released by the spokesperson of the Anambra state police command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, says the assailants had operated in Ogidi, a neighbouring community in Idemili North Local Government Area, and were on their way to their hideout with a lady they had allegedly kidnapped when the indigenes blocked the road they were plying through, and arrested them. 

Ikenga said the police operatives in the area were alerted when the incident happened but before getting there, one of the two arrested suspects had already been set ablaze.

“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 22years 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 escape.

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 is helping police with its 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.