There was tension in Udo Idiong Junction, Oruk Amam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, after a roadside petrol dealer set ablaze a 200-level student of Philosophy, Akwa Ibom State University, Enwongo Akpan, over a disagreement.
Our correspondent learnt that trouble started when the student bought adulterated fuel of N500 from the dealer.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the victim returned the fuel to the dealer after he emptied the content into his generator, which failed to start.
An eyewitness, Idongesit Akpan, on Monday, said in the ensuing argument, the dealer made for the petrol gallon, poured it on his victim and struck a matchbox, which started a fire.
Akpan stated that the victim was rescued by some villagers and students, who alerted the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Nse Essien, who ordered that the victim be rushed to Mercy Hospital in Abak, where he received treatment before he was transferred to another hospital in Uyo, the state capital.
He said, “The incident attracted the attention of community leaders, including a former Chairman of Oruk Anam, Prince Ubong Idiong, who prevailed on students to forestall any reprisal. The victim was later transferred to another hospital in Uyo for better treatment.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon, who confirmed the incident, said the state Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Dorusinmi, had ordered investigation into the matter, adding that the suspect would soon be arrested.
He said, “Yes, we are aware of the incident. But the suspect escaped from the scene. The command is trailing the suspect now and he will soon be brought to book.”
