The 2027 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Eric Opah, has demanded justice following the killing of 21-year-old nursing student Wendy Achumba in Imo State.
Achumba, an indigene of Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, was reportedly murdered in her off-campus residence at Umuadara Umulogho in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State, where she attended Our Lady of Mercy Nursing School.
The incident has sparked outrage across Abia and Imo states after videos linked to the case circulated online, showing two suspects allegedly confessing to the crime.
In a statement issued on Monday through his media aide, Eric Ikwuagwu, Opah described the killing as “painful, heartbreaking, and unfortunate,” saying the death of the young student represented a huge loss not only to her family but also to society.
“I deeply feel the pain and grief of Wendy’s parents at this difficult moment,” the APC chieftain said while praying for strength and comfort for the bereaved family.
Opah also commended the Nigeria Police Force for the swift arrest of suspects linked to the incident and urged security agencies to ensure diligent prosecution.
He said authorities must leave no stone unturned in uncovering the circumstances surrounding the murder and ensuring justice for the deceased.
The Imo State Police Command had earlier confirmed the arrest of two suspects identified as Onyema Okonkwo and Emmanuel Onyekachi over the alleged rape and killing of the nursing student.
Police authorities said investigations into the incident were ongoing, while the suspects remained in custody pending further legal action.
The murder has continued to generate widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians demanding justice and improved security for students living off-campus.
Traditional authorities in the host community have also publicly condemned the killing.
The traditional ruler of Umuadara Umulogho, Patrick Uwalaka, alongside community leaders, dissociated the community from the crime and described the incident as shocking and unacceptable.
Community representatives pledged support for security agencies investigating the matter and called for calm as the legal process unfolds.
The case has again drawn attention to growing concerns over insecurity affecting students in tertiary institutions and professional schools across parts of the country, particularly those residing outside school premises with limited security protection.
In recent years, civil society groups and education stakeholders have repeatedly urged authorities to strengthen campus security systems, regulate off-campus accommodation, and improve emergency response mechanisms for students.
The killing of Achumba has now become one of the latest cases fueling conversations around student safety, gender-based violence, and the need for faster criminal justice processes in Nigeria.
