By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
A 500-level Chemistry student of Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi (MOAUM), formerly Benue State University, has been arrested for allegedly pouring hot water on her cousin following a disagreement.
The victim, Rose Adikwu, a 200-level Political Science student of the university, reportedly suffered severe burns and is receiving treatment at a private hospital in Makurdi.
Adikwu narrated the incident when the Students’ Union President, Akighirga Vitalis, and other union executives visited her at the hospital.
According to her, she had been living with her cousin, identified as Felicia Agbo, before disagreements over personal issues strained their relationship.
Adikwu said the disagreements became intense, prompting her to ask Agbo to leave the apartment.
She alleged that after packing her belongings, Agbo went to a neighbour’s room, boiled water and mixed it with pepper, salt, onions and seasoning before returning to the apartment.
“She returned to the apartment and poured the hot mixture on me, locked the door and left me inside while I cried for help,” Adikwu alleged.
She said neighbours responded to her cries and rescued her, while the suspect was reportedly intercepted as she attempted to leave the area.
Reacting, Vitalis condemned the alleged attack, describing it as “a grave and unacceptable assault on the life and well-being of a fellow student.”
“We are deeply concerned about this incident. The Students’ Union will follow this matter closely until justice prevails,” he said.
The Students’ Union President assured the victim and her family that the union would engage relevant authorities and monitor both the police investigation and any disciplinary proceedings by the university.
He said the union would support appropriate sanctions in accordance with university regulations 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 involved in disputes with roommates, relatives or colleagues to seek intervention from university authorities, the Students’ Union or law enforcement agencies rather than resorting to violence.
A statement signed by the Press Secretary to the Students’ Union President, Mark Tyodoo, said other union executives accompanied Vitalis on the hospital visit.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, said the suspect had been arrested and an investigation was ongoing.
“Yes, it happened yesterday, Friday, August 28, 2026. From the information I have, both students were staying in the same room and had a misunderstanding,” Aondongu said.
“The suspect allegedly boiled water, added salt and pepper, and poured the mixture on the victim before locking her inside.
“After some time, people became aware of what had happened and intervened to rescue the victim. She was subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment, while the suspect was arrested.”
The police spokesperson said the circumstances that led to the disagreement were still being investigated.
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