By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has expressed deep concern over what he described as the growing moral decline and social challenges confronting young people, following the untimely death of a 25-year-old female student in Onitsha and the circumstances surrounding her demise.
The reaction came as the State Police Command confirmed that it had commenced a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the young woman, whose lifeless body was discovered on June 18 in what the police investigators suspect to be a case of suicide.
According to a press statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, investigators recovered a note believed to have been written by the deceased, in which she allegedly narrated her emotional ordeal following the collapse of a relationship with a man simply identified in the suicide note as Chigozie.
The note reportedly claimed that the deceased had terminated three pregnancies for the man before the relationship eventually ended, leaving her devastated.
While noting that investigations are still ongoing and that the true circumstances surrounding the incident would be established by detectives, the Police Commissioner said the unfortunate development should serve as a wake-up call to families and society. He said the incident highlights the urgent need for renewed parental guidance, proper moral upbringing and stronger emotional support systems for young people.
CP Orutugu stressed that many of the social problems being witnessed today could be reduced if parents and guardians pay closer attention to the emotional and psychological well-being of their children, maintain open communication with them and provide the necessary moral guidance from an early age.
He also called on schools, religious bodies, community leaders and other critical stakeholders to intensify mentorship and value-based programmes capable of helping young people navigate emotional pressures and make responsible life decisions.
According to the police spokesman, the Commissioner has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, where detectives will carry out a discreet and comprehensive investigation into the matter.
SP Ikenga stated that the Command remains committed to protecting lives and property while working with relevant stakeholders to address emerging social issues affecting the safety and well-being of residents.
