Police authorities in Anambra State have launched a full-scale investigation into the death of a 23-year-old nursing student whose lifeless body was discovered inside her apartment in Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area, in a case that has sparked outrage and widespread reactions.
The deceased, identified as Chiamaka Chilaka, was an ND II student of the College of Nursing Sciences, Alor. She hailed from Isingu community in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to reports, Chilaka was found dead in her residence at Uruezeani, Alor, on Sunday shortly after church activities in the area. The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, but police say preliminary observations suggest possible foul play.
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The incident gained public attention after a viral video surfaced online showing a cleric lamenting the death of the young student. In the emotional footage, the visibly distressed man repeatedly cried out, “My daughter, my daughter,” while expressing grief over the tragedy.
Social media users also circulated allegations claiming the deceased had resisted repeated advances from her landlord and was reportedly involved in a disagreement with him before her death. Authorities, however, have not confirmed those claims and have urged the public to allow investigators to establish the facts.
Confirming the development, police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga said Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu had ordered detectives to intensify efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The case has since been transferred from the Nnobi Divisional Police Headquarters to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for a comprehensive investigation.
Police operatives who visited the scene reportedly observed injuries on the victim’s body, including a deep cut on her thigh, other marks of violence and blood stains within the apartment.
Investigators say those findings have heightened suspicion that the student may have been attacked before her death.
As part of ongoing investigations, police confirmed that the landlord of the property has been taken into custody and is currently undergoing interrogation.
Authorities stressed that the arrest does not amount to a declaration of guilt, noting that investigations remain ongoing.
The body of the deceased has been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, which police believe will provide crucial evidence regarding the cause of death.
The tragic incident has reignited concerns about student safety, security in off-campus accommodation and the protection of young women living away from home while pursuing their education.
Police assured residents that a thorough investigation is underway and vowed that anyone found responsible would face the full weight of the law.
