Fear and confusion have spread across Umulogho community in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State after a female student of the College of Nursing, Umuadara Umulogho, Wendy Achumba, was allegedly murdered in a gruesome manner.
The incident occurred on Thursday evening when neighbours reportedly became alarmed after the student failed to come out of her room or answer repeated calls from concerned residents.
According to sources within the community, the deceased was from Ngwa in Abia State and had already completed her midwifery programme. She was said to be undergoing post-basic studies at the nursing institution before her death.
A resident, who spoke anonymously, disclosed that neighbours eventually forced the door open after several failed attempts to reach her. On entering the room, they reportedly found her lifeless body with her head severed.
The source further revealed that the room remained locked with the key still in place, while the victim’s mobile phone was nowhere to be found.
Another resident, simply identified as Ike, described the development as shocking, noting that the young woman was seen alive the previous day.
“We don’t know who did this or why she was killed. When we forced the door open, it was still locked from the inside. Someone checked and dismissed fears of rape, but her phone was missing,” the source said.
The killing has reportedly thrown both residents and students of the College of Nursing, Umulogho, into panic, as many expressed fears over the disturbing incident.
Sources also said tension escalated when some angry youths confronted police officers who arrived at the scene. At the time, the victim’s body had reportedly not yet been moved to the morgue.
Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed that an investigation had begun.
“The Command is aware of the tragic incident involving the death of a female student of the College of Nursing, Umulogho, whose body was discovered in her private off-campus apartment,” Okoye said.
“Following the report, the DPO and operatives promptly visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment, after which the body was recovered and deposited in the morgue, while investigations have commenced to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and arrest those responsible.
“Consequently, the Command appeals to students and members of the public to remain calm, assuring them that the situation is under control and that every effort is being made to ensure those behind the act are brought to justice,” he added.