The Rivers State Police Command said its operatives have arrested a suspect who allegedly raped a young woman to death in Oyigbo Local Government Area of the state.

The incident reportedly occurred on Monday when the lifeless body of the woman, said to be an orphan, was found in her room.

The case came to public attention when a user on X, claiming to be a family friend of the deceased, raised the alarm and called on the police to intervene immediately.

The poster added that occupants of the compound where the woman lived reportedly fled after the shocking discovery, possibly for fear of being implicated.

The statement, which was reposted by popular blogger Lindaikeji, partly read, “Nigerians, I need your help. Please help me call the police. I’m heartbroken as I type this. My family friend was raped and strangled to death in her room at Oyigbo on Monday night.”

The user also said the remains of the woman, simply identified as Ugochi, had been deposited in the morgue.

“Ugochi and her sister are helpless orphans who have nobody to fight for them. We are heartbroken. It’s unending tears and agony. Please help our voice get amplified. Please help us get justice,” the user added.

Although the full details of the incident could not be ascertained as of Thursday evening, it was gathered that the case caused panic in the densely populated area on the outskirts of Port Harcourt.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident and the arrest of the suspect to our correspondent on Thursday, saying he is in custody.

Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, stated, “Yes, I can confirm the incident, and the suspect has been arrested. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department.

“The body of the woman has been deposited in the morgue, and investigation is ongoing. Further details will be made known in due course.”

Rivers State has in recent years witnessed multiple cases of sexual violence and attacks on vulnerable individuals, prompting the state police command to intensify surveillance and community policing in high-risk areas.

Residents in some parts of the state have in the past expressed concerns over rising criminal activities, leading to heightened security measures by law enforcement. (The PUNCH, but headline rejigged)