The Ike Odoeme Foundation has paid a condolence visit to the College of Nursing Science Umulogho Obowo following the tragic death of Miss Wendy Achumba, a 21 year old nursing student allegedly raped and murdered in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State.
Leading the delegation during the visit was the founder of the Foundation, Ikenna Kennedy Odoeme, who described the incident as painful, unfortunate and unacceptable in any civilized society.
The Foundation was received by the Chaplain of the institution, Rev. Father James Anyanwu, the Bursar, Rev. Obi Assumpta, and the Acting Provost of the College, Sister Mirram Ogechinyere.
Addressing the management and students of the institution, Odoeme said the death of the young student was a painful experience that no parent, school management or community should ever witness.
According to him, he came to commiserate with the school authorities, students and the bereaved family over the ugly incident while assuring them that society must rise collectively to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
He stressed the need for stronger protection of women and girls in society, condemning all forms of rape, violence and abuse against women.
“We must stop these issues of rape and violence against women in our society. Our daughters deserve to live and study in safe environments without fear,” he stated.
Odoeme further engaged the school management on measures that could help prevent a recurrence of such incidents within and around the institution.
Responding during the visit, the Acting Provost of the institution, Sister Mirram Ugochinyere, appreciated the Ike Odoeme Foundation for identifying with the school and the people of Obowo during the difficult moment.
She noted that the tragic incident exposed several security challenges facing the institution and surrounding student communities.
According to her, there is urgent need for improved security around the school environment, construction of perimeter fencing, additional hostel accommodation and improved electricity supply within the hostels.
She stated that proper monitoring and protection of students must become a priority in order to avoid future occurrences.
As part of his efforts to improve security within the institution, Odoeme immediately disbursed the sum of ₦5 million to the school for the procurement and installation of Closed Circuit Television cameras to strengthen surveillance and security around the campus.
He also released another ₦1 million naira to support outstanding students of the institution as a way of encouraging academic excellence despite the difficult moment facing the school community.
The announcement attracted applause from students, management and stakeholders present during the visit.
Following the visit to the school, Odoeme and members of his Foundation proceeded to Umulogho Market in Obowo Local Government Area where they met with traders and community members who had earlier protested and expressed outrage over the killing of the student.
Addressing the market women and residents, Odoeme commended the community for standing with the school and demanding justice over the incident.
He encouraged the women and Okada people to promptly report any cases of rape or violence within the community to the appropriate authorities whenever they witness or hear of such incidents.
As part of his support for the market women, he donated the sum of ₦500,000 to assist them with communication expenses and to appreciate their solidarity during the crisis.
In her response, one of the market women, Lolo Nkechinyere Ojukwu, appreciated the Foundation for the condolence visit.
According to her, although Odoeme is not from Obowo, he still found time to identify with the community in their moment of grief.
“You are not from Obowo, yet you heard what happened and came to console us. Thank you so much for this show of love and concern,” she said.
The Foundation also made a stop at the palace of His Royal Highness, Eze Patrick Uwalaka, where the delegation was received by the monarch’s wife.
Meanwhile, the Imo State Police Command had earlier confirmed the arrest of two suspects allegedly linked to the rape and murder of the nursing student.
According to a statement issued by the Command, operatives of the Obowo Divisional Police Headquarters, working in collaboration with community stakeholders, arrested Onyema Okonkwo, aged 32, and Emmanuel Onyekachi, aged 25, both from Umuadara, Umulogho in Obowo LGA of Imo State.
The police revealed that during investigation, Onyema Okonkwo allegedly confessed to the killing of the victim after repeatedly raping her in an attempt to conceal the crime, while also implicating the second suspect in the matter.
The suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Garba Bosso, assured members of the public that justice would be served and that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The condolence visit by the Ike Odoeme Foundation ended with prayers for the repose of the deceased student and renewed calls for stronger protection and security for students and women across society.
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