Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have rescued a 13-year-old girl who was allegedly kidnapped for ritual murder in Umuojor village, Ishiagu community, Ezeagu Local Government Area.
The command, in a statement issued on Wednesday through its spokesperson, Superintendent Daniel Ndukwe, explained that the operation was carried out in collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch personnel and vigilant community members.
Ndukwe revealed that three suspects, all male, have been arrested in connection with the crime.The suspects arrested are Uche Kingsley Agumba, 33; Ilo Nweze Onyedikachi, 36; and Ejike Odinwankpa, 38.
The prime suspect, Levi Onyeka Obu, also known as ‘Ezeani’ and ‘E-Dey-Play-E-Dey-Show’, a native doctor and prominent member of the community, fled the scene and is currently at large.
‘During the rescue operation, two decomposing bodies, one male and one female, were discovered buried in a concrete-sealed pit within an uncompleted building owned by the prime suspect’, Ndukwe said, adding that investigations revealed that the victims were recently murdered and buried in the pit for ritual purposes.
The police spokesman noted that the state government, following its laws, has demolished the buildings owned by the prime suspect, used for the criminal enterprise.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Giwa, has commended the efforts of the police operatives, local security groups, and community members who ensured the success of the operation.
Giwa directed the command’s Tactical Squads and Investigation and Intelligence Units to intensify efforts in tracking down the fleeing suspect and other accomplices still at large, with a firm resolve to ensure justice is served.
