Some youth leaders from Enugu State on Monday urged the Anambra State government and the police to apprehend and prosecute suspects who allegedly killed a pregnant nurse, Idoko-Rita Ngozi.

The youth under the aegis of Community Youth Leaders of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Enugu State, made the call in a petition entitled ‘A Cry for Justice: Gruesome Murder of a Pregnant Enugu-Ezike Daughter.’’

The petition, which was signed by Ali Barnabas-Izuchukwu and Abugu Jonas, President and Secretary of the group, respectively, said that Ms Ngozi was murdered in Umueri, Ogbunike, on July 23, 2025.

The petition was addressed to the state commissioner of police, calling for a thorough investigation of the matter.

They stated that the deceased died when she was invited by a suspect to administer treatment to his sick mother in their home.

They claimed that the deceased was murdered and parts of her body were removed in a manner that suggested ritual-motivated killing.

They said, “It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we petition against the gruesome and inhuman murder of a young, vibrant and heavily pregnant nurse and a daughter of Enugu-Ezike. Tragically, instead of providing help, she walked into a death trap and was heartlessly murdered. The circumstance of her death suggests a horrifying and calculated act of murder, likely for ritual motives. Her body was said to have been dismembered, a barbaric act that has shocked our entire community and the society at large.

“This was not just a crime against one woman but a violation of the sanctity of life, of motherhood and of humanity. As youth leaders and representatives of a grieving community, we unequivocally condemn this wicked, senseless and cowardly act.’’

The youth leaders appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the Enugu State Government, the police and other security agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter.

They urged that every individual involved in the murder directly or indirectly, be brought to justice without further delay.

“This is not just about justice for one soul but sending a strong message that evil will not go unpunished and that no life, especially that of a caregiver and an expectant mother, should be so cheaply wasted. We also appeal to all members of the public to remain vigilant, especially our women and youth, and to always verify the intentions behind every invitation or request, no matter how familiar the source may seem,” they said.

The state police command, through its Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, adding that the said female suspect had been arrested while the prime suspect was on the run.

Mr Ikenga said that the victim was lured by the murderers, who asked her to come and administer treatment on their mother and killed her in the process.

Mr Ikenga noted that the operatives from the State Criminal Investigation Department busted the shrine of a native doctor in the area, where they recovered suspected human body parts concealed in cellophane bags.

He said, “During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being the girlfriend of the prime suspect from the same village, with the suspect at large. The suspect stated that she was called by the suspect at large to clean the bloodstains after the victim was murdered. However, the command has launched a manhunt for the prime suspect, along with the suspected receivers and collaborators in the crime.’’

(NAN)