OWERRI, Nigeria — A suspect has been arrested in connection with the killing of Wendy Achumba, a student of the College of Nursing, Umulogho, in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State, after community youths reportedly tracked him down and handed him over to police.
Achumba, who was said to be from Ngwa in Abia State, was found dead in her apartment in Umuadara, Umulogho, earlier this week. She had reportedly completed her midwifery programme at the institution and was undergoing post-basic studies before the attack.
According to Vanguard, the suspect, identified as Onyema Okonkwo, allegedly confessed in a viral video to entering the victim’s apartment with another man identified only as Emmanuel. The report said the suspect claimed the men attacked Achumba after she rejected their sexual advances.
A community source said Achumba was alone in the building at the time because two other students who lived in the compound had left for nursing experience. The source said the arrest was led by the youth leader of Umuadara, Chidiebere Iweajunwa, after local efforts to trace those involved in the killing.
The suspect was reportedly handed over to the police after his arrest. Imo State Police Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye had earlier confirmed that one suspect had been taken in for preliminary questioning and that a manhunt had been launched for other suspected members of the gang linked to the killing.
In a previous statement, Okoye said the Divisional Police Officer and operatives visited the scene after receiving the report, conducted an on-the-spot assessment, recovered the body and deposited it at the morgue. He said investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
The killing has sparked anger and fear among students and residents of Umulogho, with many calling for swift prosecution of all those involved. Community members have also urged security agencies to increase patrols around student residences, especially private apartments outside school hostels.
The motive and full circumstances of the attack remain under police investigation. Authorities have not yet released a formal update confirming all details contained in the viral confession, and the second suspect named in local reports had not been publicly confirmed as arrested at the time of reporting.
The case has renewed concern over student safety in Imo State and wider insecurity affecting young women living alone or in off-campus accommodation. Police have appealed for calm and urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified claims while investigators continue their work.
