A 200-level Political Science student of the Father Moses Orshio Adasu University in Makurdi (MOAUM), Rose Adikwu, has been hospitalised after her cousin and co-tenant allegedly poured a mixture of boiling water, pepper and salt on her during a disagreement.
The suspect, identified as Agbo Felicia, a 500-level Chemistry student of the same university, has been arrested by the police, who confirmed that investigation into the incident was ongoing.
Adikwu, who sustained severe burns and was seen at a private hospital in Makurdi with parts of her body covered in bandages, was allegedly attacked after a disagreement between both students escalated.
The victim narrated that she and Felicia had been living together before their relationship deteriorated over personal disagreements, eventually prompting her to ask Felicia to vacate the apartment.
She alleged that after Felicia packed her belongings, she went to a neighbour’s room, where she boiled water and allegedly added pepper, salt, onions and seasoning to it before returning to their apartment.
Adikwu said Felicia subsequently poured the hot mixture on her, locked the door and left her inside the room.
“She then returned to the apartment and poured the hot mixture on me, locked the door, and left me inside while I cried for help,” she alleged.
She explained that neighbours were alerted by her cries and intervened, rescuing her and allegedly intercepting Felicia as she attempted to leave the vicinity.
Our correspondent gathered that the police were subsequently invited and arrested the suspect.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue State Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, told journalists in Makurdi that the suspect had been arrested and that investigation was ongoing.
Aondongu said, “Yes, it happened on Friday, August 28, 2026. From the information I have, both students were staying in the same room and had an issue. The suspect allegedly boiled water, added salt and pepper, and poured the mixture on the victim and then locked her inside.
“After some time, people became aware of what had happened and were able to intervene and rescue the victim. She was subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment, while the suspect was arrested.
“I don’t have much information yet about the genesis of the disagreement or what led to the incident, but I can confirm that the incident happened.”
The police spokesman added that he understood that both women are students of Benue State University now renamed MOAUM just a Students’ Union statement identified them.
Meanwhile, the Students’ Union President, Akighirga Vitalis, has condemned the attack, describing it as a serious assault on the life and wellbeing of a fellow student.
Vitalis led other union executives on a visit to Adikwu at the hospital, where the victim narrated the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We are deeply concerned about this incident. The students’ union will follow this matter closely until justice prevails,” he said.
He assured the victim and her family that the union would engage relevant authorities and monitor both the police investigation and any disciplinary process that might arise within the university.
The union president noted that the union would support appropriate sanctions under the university’s regulations, including expulsion where warranted, if the allegations were established through due process.
“The students’ union will not condone violence or any conduct capable of endangering the life of another student,” Vitalis said.
He urged students experiencing disagreements with roommates, relatives or fellow students to seek intervention from university authorities, Students’ Union structures or law enforcement agencies rather than resorting to violence.
The President reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to student welfare and safety, stressing that personal disputes should not be allowed to escalate into acts capable of causing serious injuries or threatening lives.
The statement, signed by Mark Tyodoo, the Press Secretary to the SUG President, said other union executives accompanied Vitalis during the hospital visit.
(DAILY TRUST)
