In Obio Akpa, Oruk Anam Local Government Area of the State, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a fuel trader who is accused of setting varsity student Enwongo Akpan on fire after an argument.
On Saturday, July 9, a philosophy student at the 200-level Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Obio Akpa campus, reported a roadside fuel vendor for selling contaminated fuel.
According to Daily Trust, Akpan bought N500 fuel from the dealer, poured it into tank of his generator but it failed to supply electricity.
He went back to the roadside petrol dealer for an explanation, believing the fuel was adulterated.
The confrontation led to an argument that resulted in the exchange of words and the petrol dealer poured the fuel on Akpan and set him ablaze.
An eyewitness, Idongesit Akpan said the dealer collected the petrol, poured it on his victim, and lit matches, setting him ablaze while others scampered for safety.
Akpan said the victim was rescued by villagers and students who rushed him to Mercy Hospital in Abak for immediate treatment, and afterwards alerted the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Nse Essien about the incident.
"The incident attracted attention of community leaders such as former Chairman of OrukAnam, Prince Ubong Idiong who prevailed on students to forestall a reprisal attack . The victim was later transferred to another hospital in Uyo for better treatment,” he said.
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Odiko Mcdon, who confirmed the incident said the police was hunting for the suspect who escaped from the scene of the crime before police officers arrived.
"I am aware of the incident. The suspect escaped from the scene but the police is trailing him and he will certainly be brought to book," the PPRO stated.
Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State University Students’ press in a statement urged students to remain calm.
“Enwongo has been transfered to UUTH, Uyo from Mercy Hospital, Abak for adequate medical attention," the statement read.
"We appreciate the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nse Essien, The Dean of Students Affairs, Dr Monday Dickson and Hon. Sampson Idiong for their swift response as they have assured immediate security actions against the culprit.
"We call on the students community to keep calm as the Vice-Chancellor, Dean of Students Affairs and the Village Head have put things under Control.
"We further plead to Akwa Ibom State Government that adequate measures of security be taken to keep the students safe in Obio Akpa community safe as the clashes between students and indigenes have become a reoccurring and uncontrollable event."
Also, the National Association of Nigerian Students, has condemned the attack and demanded immediate arrest of the culprit.
A statement signed by Comr. Ekanem Utibe Jnr, Public Relations Officer & Special Duties, NANS Zone B,South South, decries the alleged maltreatment of students in the community.
"A sad incident has been brought to the notice of NANS Zone B Public Relations Officer, Comr Ekanem Utibe on the attempted murder to Students of Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa campus. And illegal patrol vendor at Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa Campus who attempted to murder and maltreat students in the area," the statement read.
"This unreceptive and inhumane attitude has occurred consistently by the community thus, disturbing the peace of Nigerian Students on the said campus.
"Recall, there was a case of a masquerade who assulted a female student in that same Obio Akpa community, this is so barbaric and unaccepted by the Nigerian Students leaders and the Students community at Large.
"Hence, the P.R.O, Comr. Ekanem Utibe, demands the Immediate arrest and hand over the culprits to the Nigerian Police Force in the next 24hours for justice to be done or the community will face the wrath of the Nigerian students. For an injury to one is an injury to all."
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