An undergraduate with the Obio Okpa Campus of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) identified as Enwongo Akpan has suffered severe burns after he was set ablaze by a road side petrol dealer following an argument.
It was gathered that the Akpan, a 200 level student in the Department of Philosophy had purchased N500 petrol from the roadside petrol dealer but it failed to power his generator.
An argument had ensured after the student not satisfied with the quality of the product , had approached the dealer for explanation accusing him of selling adultrated petrol.
An eyewitness, Idongesit Akpan told newsmen that the dealer in the course of the argument had collected the petrol, poured it on his victim and ignited a light on him to prove that the petrol is unadulterated, before he caught fire while bystanders 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 while he was rushed to Mercy Hospital in Abak for immediate treatment.
“The incident attracted attention of community leaders such as former Chairman of OrukAnam Prince Ubong Idiong who prevailed on the students to forestall reprisal action.
The victim was later transferred to another hospital in Uyo for better treatment.” He explained.
In a telephone interview , state Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon confirmed the incident adding 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. Police is trailing the suspect now and will soon be brought to book.” Macdon said.
