Attempted Murder, Rape: Police Arrest 24-Year-Old Suspect in Enugu
The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man, identified as Ugwu Desmond, over the attempted murder and rape of a pregnant woman in Affa community, Udi Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, described by police authorities as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” occurred on the night of March 14, 2026, along a quiet track road in Amokwu-Affa.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the 30-year-old victim (names withheld) had set out on a short walk back home from a neighbour’s residence when she was attacked.
“She was unaware that she was being trailed until the suspect suddenly attacked her from behind with a cutlass,” the statement read.
The suspect reportedly forced the woman to the ground, gripped her neck in an attempt to strangle her, and covered her mouth to prevent her from screaming. He then dragged her into an uncompleted building where he threatened to kill her if she resisted.
Police said the suspect subsequently raped the victim and inflicted injuries on her body before fleeing the scene.
Despite the traumatic experience, the victim was said to have mustered the courage to report the incident to the police at about 6:15 a.m. on March 15, prompting swift action by operatives of the Affa Police Division.
“The police immediately mobilized and arrested the suspect. The victim was taken to the hospital for medical examination and treatment, while the scene was processed,” the statement added.
Items recovered from the scene include the cutlass allegedly used in the attack, as well as clothing bearing suspected blood and seminal stains.
The police further disclosed that the suspect has confessed to committing the crime.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, assured residents that justice would be served, noting that he has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.
He added that the suspect would be promptly charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Giwa urged members of the public to remain vigilant and security-conscious, stressing the importance of community cooperation in preventing crime.
“Residents must look out for one another and promptly report suspicious movements. Community awareness can make the difference between safety and tragedy,” he said.
The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property while ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
