Drama ensued in Obio Akpa community in Oruk Anam local government as a roadside Petrol seller allegedly set ablaze one Enwongo Akpan, a 200 level student of the department of Philosophy, Akwa Ibom State University, AKSU last weekend.
It was gathered that trouble started when the student last Saturday evening bought N500 petrol from the roadside petrol dealer, who usually stayed around Udoidiong junction for his Generator but the generator could not start.
An eyewitness, Idongesit Akpan told newsmen that when the victim suspected that the petrol he bought was adulterated, he went to the petrol retailer whose identity could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report, for explanation and heated argument ensued.
He said some villagers and students rescued the victim and rushed him immediately to hospital, stressing: “The incident attracted attention of community leaders such as former Chairman of OrukAnam Prince Ubong Idiong who prevailed on students to forestall reprisal action by students of the University”
Akpan disclosed that in the course of argument , the dealer collected the petrol poured it on his victim and lighted a matches which made everyone around to run away.
A student of the varsity who spoke to Vanguard yesterday in confidence said: “The culprit ran away, and some people in that community are trying to defend the man by saying that it was a mistake.
“But I don’t think it is true. This community always has issues with the students. There was one time they almost killed one of our students, if not for one woman from another community that intervened. So we need help”
Speaking on the incident on Monday, The Vice Chancellor, Professor Nse Essien said: “Yes I paid a visit to the Student at Mercy Hospital , Abak. Yes, I transferred the student to the UUTH. The student is stable and he is receiving medical attention”
Also confirming the incident the Police Public Relations Office, Mr. Odiko MacDon confirmed the incident, saying “Yes we are aware of the incident. But the suspect escaped from the scene before Police arrived. We are trailing the suspect now and he will soon be brought to book”
