Tributes to ‘smiley’ church leader killed as her husband and daughter fight for life after triple stabbing

Greater Manchester Police say arrest has been made over death of Alberta Obinim

Tributes have been paid to a church leader who was killed in a triple stabbing in Manchester, that also left her husband and daughter fighting for their lives.

Alberta Obinim, 43, died from her injuries after an attack at her family home in the Gorton area, at around 11.20pm on Sunday.

A spokesperson for the Blessed Baptist Temple said he knew Ms Obinim for more than 16 years and that she was a passionate member of the city’s Ghanaian community, who led the women’s wing at the church alongside her husband, Joshua.

Alberta Obinim was described as a passionate member of Manchester’s Ghanaian community (MEN Media)

He told The Independent: “She was a very good person. She would get on with everyone she met.

“She was a very good mother; everyone will testify to that. She was a very happy, smiley person. It is so unfortunate this has happened.

Greater Manchester Police said the suspect is believed to have known the victims (PA)

“I feel very shocked. We would never expect anything like this. We didn’t know anyone who could commit such a crime.

“She would come with her son and family to the church. All the women looked up to her.

He added: “We haven’t had a chance to speak to her husband yet. For now we are not allowed to speak to him.

“We will do everything we can to support him and his family.”

Greater Manchester Police said a 17-year-old girl, a 43-year-old woman and a 64-year-old man were stabbed at a property in Barnard Road, Gorton.

Police said they received numerous calls to the stabbing, and said the suspect is thought to have been known to the victims.

Forensic officers at the property in Gorton. Police say they arrived within minutes of the emergency call (PA)

Detective Superintendent Toby Facey said: “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.

“Our thoughts remain with those affected and their loved ones at this difficult time. We are doing all we can to support them.

“Within minutes of the call being made, our officers were at the scene and an arrest had been made.

“An investigation has been launched and we are in the very early stages of our enquiries. 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.

“Local officers will remain in the area making enquiries, as well as an increased number of highly visible patrols. If you have any concerns, please speak to them.

“We are appealing for any information; we would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed this incident to please come forward. We are also interested in speaking to anyone who was in the surrounding area near to Barnard Road at around 11pm and have any dashcam footage, this might be a help for us in piecing together what happened.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting reference number 3371 of 18/08/2024 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.