The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the alleged rape and murder of Miss Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, a 100-level student of the Department of Microbiology, University of Benin (UNIBEN).
It was reported that this gruesome crime was committed by some unknown persons who smashed her head with a fire extinguisher after she had been raped.
The crime scene is a Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, in Benin City, where she was reading.
In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said Governor Obaseki has mandated the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other relevant security agencies to fish out the culprits, who perpetuated the dastardly act 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.”
He added that the state government would ensure that the full weight of the law run its course and that the Violence Against Persons (VAP) Law and other such laws related to rape and sexual abuse are exploited to get justice for the deceased.
Osagie expressed the Governor’s deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.
However, Obaseki, in a post on his Twitter page, called on the Nigeria Police Force in the state to investigate the circumstances that led to Uwa’s death.
His tweet read: “I have ordered the Nigeria Police Force ( @PoliceNG ) to thoroughly investigate the circumstances that led to the death of Miss Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, a 100-level student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN).”
The Governor stated that those found guilty will face the law.
“The @PoliceNG has been mandated to identify, arrest and prosecute anyone found culpable in her death. The Violence Against Persons (VAP) Law is in effect in our state.
“Using this law, we would ensure to investigate what exactly transpired and deal decisively with the those found complicit in the dastardly act, whoever they might be,” his tweet added.
