By Praise Chinecherem
The vigilante commander of Ojoto community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State and two others have been arrested over alleged abduction and murder of a tricycle operator, Christian Onah.
The deceased, 25, from Ovoko community in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State but resident in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of the State was declared missing May 28, 2023 following his inability to return from work.
The deceased’s neighbours had raised the alarm over his whereabouts and subsequently reported to the police, while owner of his tricycle engaged services of security tracker.
A resident of the area who spoke in confidence disclosed that the man in possession of the missing tricycle was later arrested, but claimed he purchased the tricycle from Ojoto community vigilante operatives during interrogation.
“When the Police operatives from Ogidi Division arrested the vigilante that sold the tricycle to him, he confessed that their commander was behind the abduction and subsequent killing of Christian.
“He also said the Commander threw the corpse at Mmili John Ojoto, a popular river in that side of the community,” he said.
Father of the deceased, Emmanuel Onah lamented the brutal murder of his son, calling for justice over the dastardly act.
“Another painful aspect of the ugly story is that the perpetrators have refused to disclose where they actually buried my son,” he sobbed.
While demanding for thorough investigation of the matter in order to unmask the perpetuators, the visibly devastated man appealed for diligent prosecution to recover his sonโs body.
When contacted, Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga said he was yet to be briefed over the incident, promising to reach out to the concerned division.
But a senior police officer from Ogidi Division who pleaded anonymity disclosed that efforts were on to arrest certain persons identified as collaborators by those arrested.
“Ojoto community stakeholders are interested in the matter while police has intensified efforts to arrest some other indigenes in the community mentioned as collaborators by the suspects already in custody,” he said.
