Gladness Gideon
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the ritual killing of two children, Chizaram Onuche and Chidinma Onuche, in Rukpokwu Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The victims, both seven years old, were allegedly lured by the prime suspect, drugged, and murdered in an uncompleted building, with their blood collected in a bottle for ritual purposes. The incident, which occurred on Monday, was reported to the Rumuokoro Special Area Division, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
Confirming the arrests on Tuesday, the Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed that those in custody include a native doctor, the prime suspect, his girlfriend, and an accomplice.
“The Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform the public of the arrest of suspects involved in a horrific case of ritual killing of two children, Chizaram Onuche and Chidinma Onuche, both 7-year-olds,” Iringe-Koko stated.
She identified the suspects as:
Aniekan Sunday Uko (27 years old) – The prime suspect, a native of Akwa Ibom, who allegedly lured the children, drugged them with a drink known as Black Bullet, killed them, and drained their blood.
Luis John Uwelemele (19 years old) – The suspect’s girlfriend, who is linked to the crime.
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Kingsley Opurum (43 years old) – A native doctor from Etche, Rivers State, accused of orchestrating the ritual and instructing the prime suspect to provide human remains for wealth rituals.
Friday Silas (47 years old) – An accomplice who allegedly provided access to the uncompleted building where the killings took place.
According to police investigations, Aniekan confessed that he became involved in ritual killings after witnessing the native doctor perform similar acts for others in exchange for wealth.
During the arrests, law enforcement officials recovered key evidence, including a bottle containing the victims’ blood, a kitchen knife used for the murder, an empty can of Black Bullet, and a spoon used to collect the blood.
The bodies of the victims have been deposited at a mortuary for autopsy, while the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has assured the public that justice will be served.
The police have urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, reaffirming their commitment to tackling ritual killings and other criminal activities in the state.