In a dramatic turn of events, the swift action of police operatives attached to Anambra State Command at the Total Junction in Ihiala yesterday morning saved two individuals from a potentially fatal encounter with an angry mob.
The mob had gathered to unleash jungle justice upon the victims and a suspect, mistakenly believing them to be involved in a ritual killing. However, preliminary investigations suggest that the incident was a case of murder rather than a ritualistic act.
This was contained in a press release made available to journalists earlier today by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu.
The victims, a man and a woman, paraded and verbally abused by the enraged mob unknowingly to the crowd, that the victims were wrongly accused due to their presence at the scene of the crime.
Fortunately, the timely intervention of the command operatives prevented the possible tragic outcome as both the victims and the suspect were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during the altercation.
Meanwhile, the deceased victim, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, has been transported to a local morgue pending further investigation. The motive behind the murder remains unknown, and the police have pledged a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Commissioner of Police, CP Echeng Echeng, expressed his concern over the incident and urged the public to remain calm while assuring the community that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka, where a team of seasoned detectives would delve into every aspect of the crime.
CP Echeng emphasized the importance of not resorting to mob justice and called for the public’s cooperation in providing any relevant information that could assist with the ongoing investigation. He urged citizens to have faith in the police force’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents, emphasizing that justice would be served for the victims and their families.
As the investigation progresses, authorities will work diligently to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this disturbing incident, rectify the mistaken identity of the victims, and hold accountable those responsible for the murder.