In what can be described as Black Sunday, the murder of Iniubong Umoren threw the Nigerian social media sphere into mourning.
On Sunday, a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer of Akwa Ibom State, Odiko Macdon, confirmed that Umoren had been lured by one Uduak Frank Akpan, 20, to his residence under the guise of a job offer, after which he raped, killed, and buried the graduate.
The statement revealed that Akpan had been arrested and had confessed to raping and murdering the victim.
Umoren was declared missing on Thursday while attending the inexistent job interview in Akwa Ibom. Many Nigerian social media users rallied together to bring her disappearance to the notice of authorities while trending the #FindHinnyHumoren hashtag.
Umoren’s death left a deep impression on Nigerian social media users, with many paying homage to the deceased and calling for her killer’s prosecution.
For @UmohUduak1 — Umoren’s friend who was the first to tweet about her disappearance — the tragedy feels unreal.
Y'all my friend @HinyHumoren is in trouble and she needs our help.
I'm currently in Lagos and I can't help than to put this out there.
Earlier today she told me she was going for a job interview at airport road which is quite far from her house. pic.twitter.com/X1YBLUPO7d— Happiness Activist (@UmohUduak1) April 29, 2021
“I can’t still believe that my friend is gone,” @UmohUduak said. “I saw her last on Sunday and today she’s gone. @HinyHumoren is an orphan. No mother no father. She has been the one seeing herself through school. She only wanted to make ends meet till when she leaves for camp. Now this.”
Ex-Senate President, Bukola Saraki, stated that he had been keeping tabs on the proceedings and wished that the persons involved in Umoren’s murder face the wrath of the law.
He said, “I’ve been following the #FindHinyHumoren hashtag closely over the past couple of days and I am extremely devastated that young Miss Iniobong Umoren, who simply set out to find a job, was raped and murdered.
“At this particularly difficult time, my prayers are with her family and all her friends who kept this topic on the front burner over the last couple of days. I hope the perpetrators of this despicable act are swiftly tried and sentenced.”
TVC
It's finally official. She's dead? @HinyHumoren is dead!! Killed brutally and buried. This is inhumane. And the most painful part is this deed was perpetuated by a 20 year old boy!!!! @HinyHumoren just turned 26 years, she just graduated and NYSC was the next phase. pic.twitter.com/6qlb8nXwnq— leyrexx_ (@leyrexjames) May 2, 2021
Nollywood actress, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, had this to say, “Woke up to horror news. Can’t believe he killed her. All she wanted was a job for goodness sake; to make an honest living. What is it? She did all the right things. What must a woman do to be safe? What???”
A Twitter user, @Chyddee, said, “Turn on location: she did. Tell fam where you’re going: she did. Give them the visitee’s number: she did. Go during the day: she did. In case you have more tips on how women can stay safe, remember that Hinny Humoren took them all, and she’s still dead.”
Another tweep, @firstdoctorr, said, “We said #FindHinyUmoren, instead they raped & killed her. The pain of a jobless young university graduate seeking a job to cater for herself. Her failed cry for help in the hands of rapists. Her dreams.. I’m literally tearing up! What is this, Nigeria #JusticeforHinyHumoren”
Meanwhile, @ConcernedNIG asked that Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, make an official statement.
“Hello @MrUdomEmmanuel, we are not comfortable with your silence on the brutal murder of @HinyHumoren. Your government must work with the Federal Police to bring the killers of Hiny Umoren to justice. #JusticeforHinyHumoren”
Also, @ jeremiahrmg said, “Akwa Ibom State Government should not sleep on this matter ..we want Uduak and everyone involved in Hinny’s murder to be dealt with severely. The pain is too much. #JusticeforHinyHumoren”.
The Akwa Ibom Police Division stated that Akpan Uduak would be charged to court at the conclusion of the investigation.
The statement read in part, “The suspect is a confessed serial rapist, who has owned up to raping other victims. He will be charged at the conclusion of the investigation.
“The Commissioner of Police, Amienghene Andrew, has called on youths and jobseekers to be wary of the activities of scammers and other men of the underworld.”
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