The police command in Enugu says it launched a manhunt for people who lynched two suspected ritualists in the Nsukka axis on July 4.

“Investigation has been launched to fish out those responsible for the alleged mobbing and setting ablaze of the duo at Ede-Oballa community in Nsukka axis,” police spokesman Daniel Ndukwe stated on Wednesday. “The two persons were killed on the trumped-up allegation of being responsible for the murder of a 10-year-old girl for ritual purposes.”

Mr Ndukwe said investigations showed the minor was missing on June 28.

“Her decomposing body found in a bush in the community on July 2, led to the action of the irate mob,” added the police officer.

He urged community members to keep supporting the police.

“Residents of the community should desist from resorting to the self-help of this nature, which attracts dire legal consequences,” he warned.

Residents of Ede-Oballa in the local government area had set the two suspected ritualists ablaze.

A witness, who pleaded anonymity, had said the girl’s lifeless body was found in a nearby bush with her breast and vagina removed.

(NAN)