…as police arrest two suspects

Tension and grief have continued to spread across Umulogho community in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State following the alleged rape and killing of a 21-year-old nursing student, Wendy Achumba, with police confirming the arrest of two suspects linked to the crime.

The deceased, who was undergoing post-basic midwifery training at Our Lady of Mercy Nursing School, Obowo, was reportedly found dead in her off-campus apartment located in Umuadara Umulogho last Thursday.

Confirming the development on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye, said operatives of the Obowo Divisional Police Headquarters arrested the suspects after intelligence-driven investigations carried out in collaboration with members of the community.

According to the police, the suspects, identified as 32-year-old Onyema Okonkwo and 25-year-old Emmanuel Onyekachi are both natives of Umuadara Umulogho.

Okoye disclosed that during interrogation, one of the suspects allegedly confessed to sexually assaulting the student before killing her in an attempt to conceal the crime.

The police spokesperson added that the suspect also implicated the second accused person as an accomplice, claiming both men decided to eliminate the victim after she recognised them.

He stated that the two suspects had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Audu Bosso, assured residents that the matter would be handled professionally and thoroughly, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

Meanwhile, leaders and residents of Umulogho community publicly condemned the incident during a gathering held at the village square on Sunday.

The traditional ruler of the community, Eze Patrick Uwalaka, dissociated the town from the killing and declared that the community would not shield anyone connected to the crime.

The monarch described the incident as wicked and unacceptable, insisting that Umulogho had remained a peaceful community over the years.
He also called on anyone with useful information regarding the incident to cooperate with investigators and speak out.

According to him, the community would continue to support efforts aimed at ensuring justice for the slain student.

Also speaking, President of the Umulogho Youths, Chidiebere Iweajunwa, praised local youths for assisting security operatives in tracking down the suspects.

He described the arrests as a breakthrough in the investigation and urged authorities to ensure speedy prosecution to deliver justice for the victim and her family.