The Traditional Ruler of Anunu Ukwu Ancient Kingdom in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, Eze Paulson Nwankwo, has urged youths in the area to abandon plans to avenge the death of a final-year student of the College of Nursing, Umulogho Obowo, Miss Wendy Achumba.
Eze Nwankwo made the appeal on Friday while speaking on a radio programme monitored by our correspondent, warning that any act of revenge could worsen the situation.
Achumba was reportedly murdered at her lodge in Umudara Village, Umulogho Community, Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State, on May 21.
He noted that two suspects had already been arrested by the police in connection with the murder.
The monarch described Achumba’s death as unfortunate, calling on the traditional ruler and residents of the community where the incident occurred to provide credible information to law enforcement agencies to help apprehend other perpetrators.
He also expressed sorrow over the incident and prayed for God to grant the deceased’s family the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
Commenting on the matter on Saturday, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, said the Divisional Police Officer visited the scene after the incident was reported.
According to him, the caretaker of the lodge was initially arrested, followed by the victim’s boyfriend, but investigations showed that neither was involved in the crime.
“But having seen they were not involved in the matter, we directed the community to comb their area and arrest anybody found with marks of violence,” he said.
Okoye explained that the first suspect was arrested through the community’s efforts and later identified a second suspect during interrogation.
He added that forensic experts from the state recovered a blood-stained knife and other items from the scene for investigation.
The police spokesman further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, had directed a thorough investigation into the matter.
Okoye said investigations were ongoing and that the outcome would be made public upon completion.