SAN FRANCISCO, May 31, (THEWILL) – Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State Sunday ordered the state police command to launch an investigation into the alleged rape and death of Ms. Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, 23, a 100-level Microbiology student of the University of Benin, Benin City, inside a branch of the Redeemed Christian Church in the ancient city.
According to a statement by the Edo State Police Command, Omozuwa was attacked and wounded by unknown hoodlums while she was studying inside the Redeemed Christian Church of God at Amadasun Street, Ohovbe, Ikpoba Hill. Reports suggested that she had gone there to read in anticipation that her school which was closed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic would reopen soon.
The police said it deployed operatives to the crime scene in company of the victim’s father, Elder Johnson Omozuwa. At the scene, the Police met the victim soaked in blood, photographs of the scene were taken, a fire extinguisher cylinder which the hoodlums used in inflicting injuries on the victim and the finger prints on it were obtained.
Ms. Omozuwa died Saturday night at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH.
A statement by Obaseki’s spokesman, Crusoe Osagie, said the governor had directed the police and other security agencies to find those responsible for her gruesome murder and bring them to justice.
“The governor is deeply saddened by the news of the death of Miss Vera Uwaila Omozuwa. We have been in consultation with the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and have mandated thorough investigation of the matter to ensure that those who are responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice.”
Meanwhile, UNIBEN has reacted to the development via a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, describing her rape and murder as sad and condemnable.
“Reacting on behalf of management, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lillian Salami, said the actions are condemnable and should not be condoned by any society. She said the current pandemic was already hard on everyone and that compounding it with inflicting additional pain on any family is a wicked act.
“While commiserating with the bereaved family on the loss of their dear daughter, Prof. Salami prayed God to grant her soul peaceful rest. The Vice Chancellor then used the opportunity to call on students of the institution and indeed all young people to be wary of the company they keep and the places they visit.”
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