The Onyedinma Foundation has condemned the gruesome rape and murder of 21-year-old Miss Chinwendu Achumba, a post-basic midwifery student at Lady of Mercy College of Nursing, Umulogho, Obowo, Imo State, describing it as heinous.
DrumAfricanews reports that Miss Achumba,who began her post-basic midwifery Lady of Mercy College of Nursing after completing her basic studies at the Abia State College of Health Sciences and Management Technology (ABSCOHMAT),was raped and murdered by two suspects after refusing their romantic advances.
An indigene of Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, Miss Achumba was murdered on Thursday, May 21, 2026, in Imo State, by two suspects, Onyema Okonkwo and Emmanuel Onyekachi, both indigenes of the institution’s host community, Umudara Umulogho, Obowo.
The Onyedimma foundation said that with the report that the young woman was attacked after she rebuffed the advances of one of the male suspects, before the suspect, alongside a friend, allegedly raped her repeatedly before taking her life, it is crystal clear that the law on sexual rights needs to be stronger in the areas of punishment.
Onwuka Glory, the Executive Director of the Onyedinma Foundation, she stressed that the act is not merely a crime but a violent assault on the dignity, autonomy, and fundamental rights of every woman and girl in our society.
“The Onyedinma Foundation stands unequivocally against any form of sexual violence or gender-based abuse. We state clearly and without reservation: No woman should ever pay for saying “no” with her life.
“The sexual rights of every girl and woman, her right to choose, to refuse, to be safe, and to live free from coercion and violence, are inviolable and must be respected by all.”
The foundation commended the swift and decisive action of the Umulogho community, including fellow students, local security personnel, and law enforcement agents, who worked together to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators.
“Your vigilance and refusal to let this crime go unpunished send a powerful message that such barbarism will not be tolerated. We encourage the community to remain united in supporting the family of the deceased and in cooperating fully with the police to ensure that justice is served swiftly and transparently,” the foundation said.
The foundation called upon the Imo State Government and the Nigerian Police Force to ensure that the suspects are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, warning that “this case must serve as a deterrent to anyone who believes they can violate a woman’s body and life with impunity.”
Advising parents, guardians, educators, and community leaders, the foundation said, “Let us teach our sons to respect boundaries and our daughters to know their worth. Let us build a society where a woman’s rejection is accepted, not answered with violence.”
The foundation extended its heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and the entire academic community during this devastating time and prayed for her soul to rest in perfect peace.
