The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old suspect, Ugwu Desmond, over the attempted murder and rape of a pregnant woman in Affa community, Udi Local Government Area of the State.
In a press statement issued on March 22, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, described the incident as a horrifying attack that occurred on the night of March 14, 2026.
“The 30-year-old victim (names withheld) had on the night of March 14, 2026, set out on a short walk back home from a neighbour’s house — an ordinary, familiar path through a quiet track road in Amokwo-Affa in Udi Local Government Area. But what should have been a routine return turned into a terrifying ordeal,” Ndukwe stated.
According to him, the victim, unaware she was being followed, was suddenly attacked from behind by the suspect, who was armed with a cutlass.
“He forced her to the ground, gripped her neck in a bid to strangle her, and covered her mouth to silence her cries. She was then dragged into an uncompleted building, where he threatened to kill her if she resisted, before forcefully raping her and inflicting injuries on her body,” he said.
Ndukwe explained that the victim’s survival and courage to report the incident early the next morning led to swift police action.
“Her survival, and the strength to report the harrowing ordeal by about 6:15 a.m. on March 15, 2026, triggered swift police intervention, as operatives of the Affa Police Division promptly mobilized and arrested the suspect,” he added.
He further disclosed that the victim was immediately taken to the hospital for medical examination and treatment, while the scene of the crime was processed.
“Critical exhibits, including the cutlass used in the attack and clothing bearing suspected blood and seminal stains, were recovered,” Ndukwe said, noting that the suspect has confessed to the crime.
The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered a thorough investigation and assured that the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of the process.
“CP Giwa describes the incident as deeply disturbing and unacceptable, reaffirming the Command’s resolve to ensure justice is served. He urges residents to remain vigilant, look out for one another, and promptly report suspicious movements, emphasizing that community awareness can be the difference between safety and tragedy,” the statement concluded.
