A female nursing student who was found dead in her room under disturbing circumstances in Imo State has been identified as Wendy Achumba.
The deceased, a student of the College of Nursing Umuadara Umulogho, was reportedly discovered lifeless on Thursday, May 21, inside her off-campus lodge located in Umulogho community in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State.
The tragic incident has sparked grief and concern among fellow students, residents and members of the local community, with many demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
According to sources within the community, neighbours became alarmed after Wendy failed to come out of her room throughout the day and did not respond to repeated knocks and phone calls.
Residents reportedly grew increasingly worried when all efforts to reach her proved unsuccessful.
After several attempts to get her attention failed, neighbours eventually forced open the door to her apartment.
Upon entering the room, they allegedly discovered her lifeless body lying in a pool of blood with severe injuries around her neck.
Sources said her throat appeared to have been slit, while her head was nearly severed from the rest of her body.
The shocking discovery immediately threw the area into confusion as residents and students gathered around the scene in disbelief.
A source familiar with the incident told journalists that despite the gruesome nature of the attack, the room was still locked from inside when neighbours broke in.
“The door to the room was still firmly locked with the key,” the source reportedly said.
However, the victim’s mobile phone was said to be missing from the room, raising further suspicion surrounding the incident.
Community sources disclosed that Wendy Achumba hailed from the Ngwa area of Abia State.
She was said to have completed her midwifery programme and was undergoing post-basic nursing training at the institution before the tragic incident occurred.
Friends and acquaintances described her as calm, hardworking and committed to her studies.
Some students of the institution who reacted to the development expressed shock over the killing, describing the incident as horrifying and deeply traumatic for members of the school community.
Residents of the area also raised concerns over the safety of students living in off-campus lodges, especially in isolated communities.
The incident has renewed conversations about insecurity and the vulnerability of students residing outside school hostels in parts of the country.
Many residents called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and improve protection within student communities.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye, said the police had commenced investigations 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 said.
According to him, police officers attached to the division promptly responded after receiving reports about the incident.
“Following the report, the DPO and operatives promptly visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment, after which the body was recovered and deposited in the morgue, while investigations have commenced to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and arrest those responsible,” he added.
The police spokesperson assured the public that efforts were ongoing to determine what happened and identify anyone connected to the crime.
As of the time of filing this report, no arrests had been officially announced.
The killing has generated reactions on social media, where many Nigerians expressed outrage and sadness over the gruesome nature of the incident.
Several users called for justice for the deceased student and urged the authorities to ensure that those behind the crime are apprehended and prosecuted.
Others lamented the increasing cases of violence and killings involving young Nigerians, particularly students.
The tragic death of Wendy Achumba has also reignited concerns over the welfare and security of students in tertiary institutions, especially those living in private accommodations outside school premises.
Education stakeholders and community leaders have continued to stress the need for improved security infrastructure, better emergency response systems and stronger collaboration between institutions and law enforcement agencies.
Some residents of Umulogho community also appealed to the Imo State government and security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and reassure residents of their safety.
Meanwhile, sympathisers, classmates and family members have continued to mourn the deceased, whose death has left many devastated.
Friends described the late student as someone with promising ambitions in the healthcare profession whose life was tragically cut short.
The police say further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
