In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the Orogwe community in the Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, a couple was killed by a mob on Monday. In response to this violent act, the Imo State Police Command has issued a stern warning to the public against vigilante justice and urged citizens to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
Henry Okoye, the Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Police Command, emphasized the importance of allowing law enforcement to handle criminal matters. “Allow the police to do their work. Any suspect should be handed over to the police for proper investigations. The police have deployed their team for investigations to apprehend the perpetrators,” Okoye stated during an interview.
The incident occurred when an unidentified couple was allegedly caught attempting to flee with a stolen motorcycle after robbing a motorcyclist at gunpoint. According to community sources, the couple was known in the area but had managed to conceal their involvement in motorcycle theft from the residents.
“They were caught while trying to dispossess a man of his motorcycle along the Orogwe/Ohii Road. Because the youths and community vigilantes were already enraged by the ugly trend of motorcycle thefts, they refused to hand them over to the police,” a local source, who wished to remain anonymous, explained. This source also noted that many residents had lost their motorcycles in recent months, which contributed to the community’s anger and frustration.
The situation escalated quickly, leading to the mob taking matters into their own hands. The couple was subsequently burned to death by an infuriated group of youths, emphasizing the dangerous consequences of mob justice. As a result of this incident, many young people in the area have fled, fearing police retaliation during the ongoing investigation.
The police have since launched an investigation into the matter, focusing on identifying the individuals involved in the mob action and ensuring that justice is served appropriately. Okoye’s statement reflects the police’s commitment to restoring order and urging community members to trust the legal system rather than resorting to violence.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by communities dealing with crime and the potential for mob violence when justice is perceived as lacking. The Imo State Police Command continues to call for calm and cooperation from the public as they work to resolve the situation and prevent further escalation of violence.
