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outrage in Anambra as Teenager is Killed, Sister Raped, Community Demands Justice as Police Arrest Suspect

The peace of Unubi community in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State was shattered on Tuesday following a gruesome home invasion that left a 15-year-old boy, Somtochukwu Nwokedi, dead and his sister raped. The shocking incident has not only plunged the Nwokedi family into mourning but has also sparked widespread outrage across Anambra State and beyond, prompting calls for the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to swiftly ensure justice is served.

The alleged perpetrator, identified as Chidiebere Mbene, was apprehended by security operatives following a swift manhunt. According to preliminary investigations, Mbene is believed to have broken into the home of Mr. and Mrs. Nwokedi in the early hours of the day, armed and with a clear intent to cause harm. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but residents suspect a mix of criminal intent and personal vendetta.

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Witnesses and family members recount the terrifying moments leading up to the tragic events. The suspect reportedly scaled the fence into the Nwokedi compound before gaining access into the house. Upon confrontation by young Somtochukwu, the intruder opened fire, shooting him at close range. The boy reportedly died on the spot from massive internal bleeding.

Tragically, the ordeal did not end there. The attacker then assaulted the boy’s elder sister, whose name is being withheld for privacy reasons. The young woman, described as bright and reserved, had only just returned home from university for a short visit.

“She was not just raped; she was brutalized,” a relative told this reporter, visibly shaken. “We cannot say more for now. The entire community is in shock. That boy, Somtochukwu, was a good boy—intelligent, respectful. His parents are inconsolable.”

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The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the suspect late Wednesday evening. In a terse statement to journalists, the spokesperson for the Command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said:

“We can confirm that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the tragic incident that occurred in Unubi on Tuesday. He is currently in custody and helping us with our investigation.”

However, as of the time of this report, the police have yet to officially release the suspect’s full details or photograph—a decision that has sparked significant criticism among civil rights advocates and local leaders.

Residents and human rights organizations have strongly criticized the police for their silence regarding the identity of the suspect. In an era where photo releases of suspects have become standard in serious crimes, many are asking: why the hesitation?

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“Why are they hiding the face of this criminal?” asked Comrade Ifeanyi Madu, coordinator of the Anambra Youths for Security and Accountability. “Is it because he belongs to a privileged background? Or is someone up there trying to protect him? This is not the time for secrecy. The people deserve transparency.”

The calls have also extended to social media, with hashtags like #UnmaskChidiebereMbene, #JusticeForSomtochukwu, and #SayHerName trending across platforms. Activists are demanding that the suspect not be shielded by powerful interests or political interference—a concern deeply rooted in Nigeria’s history of opaque justice processes.

The Nwokedi family, still coming to terms with their dual tragedy, issued a statement through their legal counsel demanding the full weight of the law be brought against the suspect.

“We are devastated,” the statement read. “No family deserves to go through this. Our innocent son was murdered in cold blood, and our daughter violated. We will not rest until justice is done.”

The family also raised concerns about possible attempts to suppress the case, warning that they will not accept any attempt to shield the suspect from accountability.

Tuesday’s incident is the latest in a string of violent crimes that have rocked Nnewi South LGA in recent months. Residents lament that the once peaceful area has become increasingly unsafe due to rising incidents of burglary, kidnapping, and violent attacks.

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“It’s not just about this one incident,” said Chief Oliver Obiechina, a traditional elder in Unubi. “Our people are under siege. If a family can be attacked like this in their own home, who is safe? We need answers.”

Traditional rulers and town union leaders are now calling for a state of emergency on security in rural Anambra. They insist that community vigilante groups need to be re-equipped and supported by the government to complement formal policing.

Nigeria has witnessed a troubling number of violent crimes in recent years involving young perpetrators and resulting in minimal convictions. In many cases, suspects are paraded briefly, only to disappear from the public eye after a few months.

This reality has eroded public trust in the justice system, particularly in cases involving rape, domestic violence, and murder. Civil society groups fear that the current case could follow a similar trajectory if pressure is not sustained.

“We have seen this before. A suspect is arrested, and everyone is calm. Then two months later, we hear nothing. No court case. No justice. It cannot happen this time,” said barrister Adaobi Nwaneri, a women’s rights advocate based in Awka.

Legal experts say the case against Chidiebere Mbene, if properly prosecuted, should be airtight. Armed invasion, murder, and rape are capital offences under Nigerian law and can attract the maximum penalty.

However, they warn that successful prosecution will depend on several key factors:

• Transparent investigation and evidence gathering
• Willingness of the survivor to testify
• Community support and security
• Non-interference by political actors

The police, judiciary, and civil society must work in tandem to ensure this case becomes a turning point, not just for the Nwokedis, but for all families suffering in silence across Nigeria.

As the dust settles over Unubi, one thing is clear: the people have had enough. The tragic death of Somtochukwu and the violation of his sister have become more than a criminal case—they have become a symbol of everything broken in the nation’s justice system.

The arrest of Chidiebere Mbene should not be the end—it must be the beginning of a rigorous, transparent legal process that sends a message across the state and the country.

No more shielding criminals. No more silent settlements. No more handshakes behind closed doors.

The time for justice is now.