Tragic Incident Sparks Calls for Vigilance Among Residents
The Enugu State Police Command confirmed yesterday the murder of a 4-year-old child identified as Zinachukwu Ugwu, at her residence in Orba Road, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The Command, in a statement issued through its spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe, also confirmed the arrest of a 30-year-old man, Chukwuemeka Nweke, in connection with the crime. Police operatives serving in the Nsukka Sector of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad apprehended Nweke following a distress call that he had slit the victim’s throat with a knife while she was asleep.
Preliminary Investigation Findings: The statement disclosed that the suspect hails from Umuagu-Ozalla in Nkanu West Local Government Area but resides in the same compound as the child’s parents and other neighbors. According to the police, Nweke initially attempted to attack other neighbors who resisted him, allowing them to escape before he entered the victim’s apartment. There, he found the helpless child sleeping and used a knife to cut her throat after the mother had fled with her other children.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect confessed to the crime, claiming he acted alone but under the influence of Indian hemp, methamphetamine (locally known as “Mkpuru-mmiri”), and Action Bitters alcoholic drink he consumed earlier. He also admitted to being a member of the Vikings Confraternity and confessed to having murdered a male member of a rival cult group during a clash in Jos, Plateau State, in 2022.
Commitment to Justice and Public Safety
The statement further revealed that the suspect was arrested alongside charms and would be arraigned and prosecuted once investigations are concluded. This move underscores the Command’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victim and deterring similar crimes in the future.
The state Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, while extending condolences to the deceased’s family, assured that justice would be secured for the victim within record time. He emphasized the importance of swift legal action against those involved in such heinous acts.
Urgent Appeal for Resident Vigilance: Commissioner Uzuegbu urged residents to always observe the behavioral patterns of their neighbors to prevent similar incidents. His remarks highlight the critical role of community vigilance in addressing security challenges and curbing violent crimes.
It was gathered that the tragic incident occurred on August 18, 2024, shedding light on the growing concerns over cult-related violence and substance abuse in the region.
This case raises broader questions about the prevalence of cultism and drug abuse in Nigeria, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. The involvement of the suspect in previous cult-related activities and his confession to substance-induced violence underscore the need for stronger intervention measures by law enforcement agencies and community leaders.
The murder of young Zinachukwu Ugwu serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by cultism and substance abuse. As authorities work to bring the perpetrator to justice, it is crucial for communities to remain vigilant and collaborate with law enforcement to prevent such tragedies in the future.
