Tension has enveloped the Umulogho community in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State following the killing of a female nursing student, Wendy Achumba, in her off-campus apartment.
The deceased, said to be from Ngwa in Abia State, was a student of the College of Nursing, Umulogho and had reportedly completed her midwifery programme before enrolling for post-basic training.
Residents disclosed that the victim was discovered dead on Thursday evening after neighbours became alarmed when she failed to come out of her room or respond to repeated calls.
A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said concerned neighbours eventually forced the door open after several unsuccessful attempts to reach her.
The source explained that the victim was found lifeless inside the apartment, while her mobile phone was reportedly missing from the room.
Another resident identified simply as Ike described the incident as shocking, noting that the student had been seen alive a day before the discovery.
“We still do not understand what happened. Neighbours became worried after she stopped responding, and when the door was forced open, she was found dead inside the room. Her phone could not be found,” the resident said.
The incident reportedly triggered panic among students and residents of the area, with many expressing fears over growing insecurity within the community.
It was also gathered that tension heightened after some angry youths confronted policemen who arrived at the scene following the discovery.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, said investigations had commenced into the killing.
“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 stated.
He added that the Divisional Police Officer and other operatives visited the scene immediately after the report was received, while the body was evacuated to a morgue for further examination.
Okoye assured students and residents that efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest those responsible for the crime, urging members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with investigators.