By Deborah Nnamdi
The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man, Ugwu Desmond, over the alleged attempted murder and rape of a pregnant woman in Affa community, Udi Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement issued on March 22, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, described the attack as a horrifying incident that occurred on the night of March 14, 2026, along a quiet track road in Amokwo-Affa.
According to the police, the 30-year-old victim, whose name was withheld, had left a neighbour’s house and was heading home when she was allegedly attacked from behind by the suspect, who was armed with a cutlass. Unaware that she was being followed, she was reportedly forced to the ground, strangled and gagged to prevent her from raising the alarm.
The suspect allegedly dragged her into an uncompleted building, threatened to kill her if she resisted, and forcefully raped her, inflicting injuries in the process.
Ndukwe said the victim’s survival and prompt report of the incident at about 6:15 a.m. on March 15 led to swift police action. Operatives of the Affa Police Division were said to have mobilized immediately and arrested the suspect.
The victim was taken to hospital for medical examination and treatment, while detectives processed the crime scene. Police said they recovered critical exhibits, including the cutlass allegedly used in the attack and clothing bearing suspected blood and seminal stains. The suspect has reportedly confessed to the crime.
The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered a thorough investigation and assured that the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Giwa described the incident as deeply disturbing and unacceptable, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to ensuring justice. He urged residents to remain vigilant, watch out for one another and promptly report suspicious activities, stressing that community awareness can help prevent tragedy.
