Matthew Onocheta
ENUGU, Nigeria – A man has been arrested over the murder of a 4-year-old girl child identified as Zinachukwu Ugwu, at her residence in Orba Road, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, South-East Nigeria, police said.
The incident happened on August 18, 2024, according to local news outlet, Vanguard.
The Enugu State Police Command, in a statement made available through its spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe said Chukwuemeka Nweke, 30, was arrested by operatives serving in the Nsukka Sector of the command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, following a distress call that he slit the victim’s throat with a knife while she was asleep.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspect hails from Umuagu-Ozalla in Nkanu West Local Government Area, but resides in the said compound with the child’s parents and others. He initially attempted to attack other neighbours who resisted him and escaped before he went into the victim’s apartment, where he saw the helpless child sleeping, and used the knife to cut through her throat. This was after the mother of the child had escaped with her other children.
“Further investigation revealed that the suspect confessed to the crime, claiming that 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 confessed to being a member of the Vikings Confraternity and that in 2022, while residing in Jos, Plateau State, he was involved in a cult clash during which he murdered a male member of the rival cult group,” part of the statement read.
The statement further revealed that the suspect who was also arrested with charms, would be arraigned and prosecuted once investigations are concluded.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, while condoling with the deceased’s family, assured that justice would be secured for the victim within record time.
Mr Uzuegbu further urged residents to always observe the behavioural pattern of their neighbours to avoid similar incidents.