Crime
20-year-old herdsman rapes 56-year-old to death, gives reason
The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old herdsman, Laulo Isa, in connection with the alleged rape and murder of a 56-year-old woman, identified as Mary Okereke.
The State Commissioner of Police, Awotunde Awosola, told journalists in Abakiliki on Tuesday that the suspect allegedly committed the dastardly act around 8 pm on December 28 in Ohaozara Local Government Area of the state.
Mr Awosola said the suspect allegedly attacked the victim on Ufe-Ezeraku Ugwulangwu Road and raped her to death.
He said following a tip off, police detectives rushed to the scene and took the victim to a nearby hospital, where a doctor confirmed her dead.
He said that her remains were later deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.
Mr Awosola said: “There was a struggle between the two of them but he overpowered the woman and had carnal knowledge of her.
“Unfortunately, the woman lost her life during the incident.
“We got the report from Ohaozara division that a lifeless body of a woman identified as Mary Okereke was lying along a bush path at Ufe-Ezeraku Ugwulangwu,” he said.
The police boss further said the police operatives later searched the forest and farmlands in the area with the assistance of youth in the community.
He said the suspect, who lived in the forest, was arrested during the search, having forgotten some of his belongings at the scene of the incident which were used to identify him.