A gang of armed robbers on Wednesday invaded a house in Ezi-Ogidi, in the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State and made away with valuables.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the suspects, after robbing their victims, also abducted a female occupant.
They were said to be heading back to their hideout when residents of a neighbouring community along St. Monica College, Ogbunike Road in the Oyi Local Government Area mobilised and intercepted them.
One of the suspects was said to have been set ablaze in the process.
While they succeeded in apprehending one other, the remaining suspects reportedly escaped from the scene.
Our correspondent further learnt that the residents, who intercepted the suspects, rescued the kidnapped female victim.
Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, said police operatives in the area were alerted, but before they arrived at the scene, one of the two arrested suspects had already been set ablaze.
Ikenga said, “In the early hours of May 3, 2023, police operatives attached to Ogbunike Division, while responding to a distress call along St. Monica College Road, Ogbunike, arrested one Jamui Emiron, 22, and recovered one already damaged yellow Mitsubishi L300 bus with number plate Anambra 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 policemen were alerted.
“Members of the neighbourhood had already supported the police by blocking the exit points within the area, intercepting the vehicle and apprehending two of the gang members, while others escaped.
“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.”
Ikenga added that the rescued kidnapped victim is receiving treatment at a hospital, while the suspect was helping the police with the investigation.
The PPRO said the state Commissioner of Police, Echeng Echeng, urged the people to desist from taking laws into their hands by resorting to jungle justice, adding that all suspects should be handed over to the police for appropriate investigation.
