Residents of Ede-Oballa in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu set two suspected ritualists ablaze for allegedly defiling a 10-year-old girl to death.

A witness, who pleaded anonymity, said the incident, which occurred on Monday, had thrown the community into sorrow.

According to the source, the girl’s lifeless body was found in a nearby bush with her breast and vagina removed.

“Only ritualists will rape a girl to death and remove her vital organs for their evil acts,” the source said.

The witness said that the neighbourhood watch had arrested the suspects but was overpowered by residents who rushed to its office.

“The crowd overpowered the security men and grabbed the two ritualists that killed the girl and set them on fire and watched them burn to death.

“It’s the intention of the security men to take the suspects to the police, but they were overpowered by the mob,” the witness said.

When contacted, the president-general and councillor representing the community, Val Omeje and Hyginus Ogbu, respectively, confirmed the incident.

They also confirmed that the suspects also hailed from the community.

Attempts made to speak with the police command spokesperson in the state, Daniel Ndukwe, on the incident were unsuccessful.

In reply to the short message sent to his cell phone, Mr Ndukwe stated, “l have seen your text message. I will get back to you.”

However, he had yet to get back to the correspondent at the time of filing the report.

(NAN)