By Deborah Nnamdi
The Anambra State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the suspected murder of a 23-year-old nursing student, Chiamaka Chilaka, whose lifeless body was discovered in her apartment at Uruezeani, Alor, in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.
Chilaka, an ND II student of the College of Nursing Sciences, Alor, and a native of Isingu in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, was reportedly found dead in her residence on Sunday after a church service.
The tragic incident has generated widespread concern, with a viral video on social media showing a cleric weeping uncontrollably and repeatedly crying, “My daughter, my daughter,” as he mourned the deceased.
Allegations circulating online claimed that the student had allegedly been subjected to repeated unwanted advances by her landlord, which she reportedly rejected. It was further alleged that she was last seen having an altercation with him before her death. However, police have yet to confirm the claims as investigations continue.
Confirming the development on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu had directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, to take over the case from the Nnobi Divisional Police Headquarters and conduct a comprehensive and discreet investigation.
According to the police, operatives who visited the scene observed a deep cut on the deceased’s thigh, other visible marks of violence, and blood stains around the environment, raising strong suspicions of foul play.
Ikenga said the commissioner had ordered detectives to expedite action and uncover the circumstances surrounding the student’s death without delay.
The police spokesman disclosed that the landlord of the premises had been arrested and was currently undergoing interrogation to assist ongoing investigations.
He added that the remains of the deceased had been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
The Commissioner of Police assured residents that the command would leave no stone unturned in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensuring that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
The command also appealed to members of the public with useful information to come forward and assist investigators as efforts continue to determine the cause of the student’s death.
