GORTON, MANCHESTER – The victim of a tragic stabbing in Gorton has been identified as 43-year-old Alberta Obinim, a well-known member of Manchester’s Ghanaian community. The incident, which occurred at approximately 11:20 p.m. on Sunday on Barnard Road, has left two others critically injured and a community grieving.
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that a 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident. Authorities believe the suspect was known to the victims, and they are treating the case as an isolated incident.
Ms. Obinim’s death has sent shockwaves through the local community, where she was cherished as a warm and caring individual. Ibrahim Abu, a community leader, described her as a “lovely woman” who “always made sure people were smiling.”
In an interview with Sky News, Mr. Abu expressed his disbelief and sorrow at the news, saying, “She was at church, dancing and praising… and we wake up and hear she has died.” The news has been a “big blow” to the tight-knit community, he added, as they now pray for the recovery of the two other victims, a 17-year-old girl and a 64-year-old man, who remain in critical condition.
“We hope they will come back to us in good health,” Mr. Abu said.
Ms. Obinim who is a Ghanaian was an active member of Blessed Baptist Temple in Levenshulme, where she was known for her infectious laughter and generosity. Family friend Ibrahim Abu, also known as Obudo, told the Manchester Evening News, “She was a very nice lady. I knew her very well. We all go to church together.” He described her as “a mother to everyone” who “always talked to people” and was “always laughing.”
Her personality left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Derrick Wiafe, another friend, called her a “powerful and inspirational woman,” while a colleague who laid white roses at the scene described her as “amazing” and “lovely.”
“I literally spoke to her just last week,” the colleague said. “She was so kind and caring. It’s just a proper shock… She’s got a lovely family. I don’t think anybody would have a bad word to say about her.”
The emotional toll on those who knew her is evident, with many struggling to come to terms with her sudden and violent death. Anthony Clement, 43, an administrator at Blessed Baptist Temple, said, “They are a good church-going family. They are very good people. This has come as really shocking news to me, I never expected anything like this to happen.”
The normally quiet Barnard Road is now the center of a major police investigation, with three forensic tents in place and officers combing through evidence. Horrified neighbors reported hearing “shouting and screaming” on the night of the attack. A resident named Reece, who had just returned from a takeaway, said he heard loud commotion while sitting in his car.
Detective Superintendent Toby Facey acknowledged the widespread concern following the attack, stating, “We understand that the local community and further afield across Greater Manchester will be rightly shocked and concerned after waking up and hearing this tragic news this morning.” DS Facey assured the public that officers arrived at the scene within minutes of the call and quickly made an arrest.
“We have had detectives on the ground who have been working throughout the night trying to get to the bottom of what has happened and why,” he said, adding that local officers and visible patrols will remain in the area to offer support and reassurance.
No Ghanaian official, has reacted to the incident.
