The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of suspects linked to two separate murder cases in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area. On Friday, 15 May, the police received information about Onyebuchi Anikwe, 40, allegedly attacking his 60-year-old mother, Felicia Anikwe, with a cutlass.
The victim was found lifeless, and officers immediately secured the scene and recovered her remains. The corpse was taken to hospital, where doctors confirmed she's dead before preservation in the mortuary.
In a separate incident, operatives of the Distress Response Squad responded to a report from Agu-Ekwegbe Community within the same local government area. The report alleged that Joshua Eze killed his sister, Nwabuche Eze, and her little daughter. They're dead, and the police recovered their bodies and moved them to hospital for medical examination. Doctors confirmed they're dead before their remains were deposited in the mortuary.
The suspect, also rescued from an angry mob, was in critical condition. However, Mr Ndukwe said the suspect later died in hospital while receiving emergency treatment. He didn't survive the injuries.
Preliminary investigations suggest he buried the victims in a shallow grave. The police also recovered a dead white cock from the scene, suggesting possible ritual motives. This suggests the killings may be linked to ritual activities.
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Giwa, condemned the killings and described them as barbaric. Mr Giwa directed detectives of the State Criminal Investigation Department to carry out comprehensive investigations into both incidents. He wants them to get to the bottom of the cases.
"Residents must avoid jungle justice and report criminal suspects through lawful channels," the commissioner said.
He's urging residents to follow the law and report any suspicious activity.
The police spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe, a superintendent of police, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday in Enugu. Mr Ndukwe said both incidents happened on Friday, 15 May, in separate communities, sending shockwaves across residents of the affected areas. The cases involved alleged killings by close family members, prompting swift police intervention and investigations. The police are working to determine the motives behind the killings and to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
In the first incident, operatives of Igbo-Etiti Division responded at about 3:10 p.m. to the report of Onyebuchi Anikwe allegedly attacking his mother. The suspect was arrested, detained, and taken for urgent medical treatment after being rescued from an angry mob. He's receiving treatment, and the police are investigating the incident.
The police are urging residents to come forward with any information that may aid in the investigations. The Enugu State Police Command is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents, and won't tolerate any form of violence or lawlessness. They're working hard to keep residents safe.
As the investigations continue, the police are working to provide support to the families of the victims. The Enugu State Government has also been notified of the incidents, and is expected to provide additional support and resources to the affected communities. They're working together to support the families.
The alleged ritual killings have raised concerns among residents, who are calling for increased security measures to be put in place. The police have assured residents that they're doing everything possible to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. They're taking steps to increase security and prevent similar incidents.
- Two murder cases in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State
- Suspects arrested and detained by the police
- Alleged killings by close family members
- Possible ritual motives suggested by the recovery of a dead white cock
- Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, condemns the killings as barbaric
The Enugu State Police Command has a history of responding swiftly to reports of violence and lawlessness. In recent years, the command has implemented various initiatives aimed at reducing crime and improving community relations. They're working to build trust with the community.
The police have also been working to address the root causes of violence, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education and healthcare. By providing support to vulnerable communities and working to address these underlying issues, the police hope to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. They're taking a proactive approach to prevent violence.
As the investigations into the alleged ritual killings continue, the police are urging residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. By working together, the police and the community can help to ensure the safety and security of all residents. They're counting on residents to help prevent crime.
The incident has also raised questions about the need for increased mental health support and resources in the community. The police have pledged to work with local organizations and healthcare providers to provide support to those affected by the incidents. They're committed to providing support.
The Enugu State Government has also announced plans to establish a task force to address the issue of ritual killings in the state. The task force will be responsible for investigating reported cases and providing support to victims and their families. They'll be working to address the issue of ritual killings.
In the meantime, residents are being advised to be cautious and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The police are committed to doing everything possible to prevent such incidents from happening in the future and to ensuring the safety and security of all residents. They're working hard to keep residents safe, and they won't give up.