A roadside petrol dealer has set ablaze a student of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) identified as Enwongo Akpan after a minor argument The Trumpet gathered.
It was gathered that the victim who is a 200-level student in the Department of Philosophy at AKSU allegedly bought N500 petrol from the roadside petrol dealer which failed to start his generator after he poured it into the tank.
Not satisfied with the quality of the product, the victim approached the roadside petrol dealer for explanation believing that the petrol was adulterated which led to an argument.
An eyewitness Idongesit Akpan said in the course of the argument, the dealer collected the petrol poured it on the victim and struck matches on him before he caught fire while others scampered for safety.
Akpan added that the victim was rescued by villagers and students who alerted the Vice-Chancellor of the University Prof Nse Essien and he was rushed to Mercy Hospital in Abak for immediate treatment.
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“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.
” The victim was later transferred to another hospital in Uyo for better medical attention,” he said
In a telephone interview with our correspondent, Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer SP Odiko Mcdon 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. Our men are trailing the suspect now and will soon be brought to book” he said
