The Imo State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the alleged rape and murder of a 21-year-old nursing student, Wendy Achumba, in Obowo Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects, identified as Onyema Okonkwo, 32, and Emmanuel Onyekachi, 25, are both indigenes of Umuadara Umulogho in Obowo LGA.
Wendy, until her death, was a post-basic midwifery student of Our Lady of Mercy Nursing School, also known as Mercy College of Nursing Science, Umulogho.
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Police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, said the suspects were arrested after intelligence-led investigations conducted by operatives of the Obowo Divisional Police Headquarters in collaboration with community stakeholders.
The victim was reportedly found dead inside her private off-campus apartment in Umuadara, Umulogho.
According to the police, one of the suspects allegedly confessed to raping and killing the student in an attempt to cover up the crime.
Okoye said the suspect also implicated the second suspect as an accomplice, claiming both men attacked the victim after she recognised them.
“During the investigation, Onyema Okonkwo confessed to the killing of the victim after forcibly having unlawful carnal knowledge of her on multiple occasions in an attempt to conceal his crime,” the police spokesperson said.
The police added that the suspects had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.
Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, assured residents that the command would ensure justice is served and that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The killing has sparked outrage within the Umulogho community, with residents and traditional authorities publicly condemning the incident.
Traditional ruler of Umuadara Umulogho, Eze Patrick Uwalaka, led community members to the village square where they dissociated the community from the crime and called for justice.
“We, the people of Umulogho, are here to denounce this wicked act. We know nothing about it, and we exonerate ourselves and the land from any repercussions,” the monarch said.
He urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward, warning against shielding the perpetrators.
President of Umulogho Youths, Chidiebere Iweajunwa, also praised local youths for assisting security agencies during the investigation and arrest of the suspects.
He called for speedy prosecution to ensure justice for the deceased student and her family.
The incident has again raised concerns over the security of students living off-campus in rural school communities across the country.
