A roadside petrol dealer has set fire on a student of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Obio Akpa Campus, in Oruk Anam council area of the state, identified as Enwongo Akpan, after an argument

It was learnt that the victim who is a 200-level student in the Department of Philosophy at the University, bought N500 petrol from the roadside petrol dealer but it failed to ignite his generator after he poured on the tank.

Not satisfied with the quality of the product, the victim approached the roadside petrol dealer for an explanation believing that, the petrol was adulterated where an argument ensued resulting in an exchange of words.

An eyewitness, Idongesit Akpan, said: “I’m the course of the argument, the dealer collected the petrol, poured it on his victim and struck matches on him before he caught fire while others scampered for safety.”

Continuing, Akpan said the victim was rescued by villagers and students who alerted the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Nse Essien, as he was rushed to Mercy Hospital in Abak for immediate treatment.

“The incident attracted the attention of community leaders such as former Chairman of OrukAnam Prince Ubong Idiong who prevailed on students to forestall reprisal action by students of the university.

“The victim was later transferred to another hospital in Uyo for better treatment.”

Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Mcdon, said that the suspect escaped from the scene of the crime before police arrived for arrest.

“Yes we are aware of the incident. But the suspect escaped from the scene. The Police is trailing the suspect now and will soon be brought to book,” he said. (Text, excluding headline: The Guardian)

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