By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Sad but true that cruelty still holds sway in the heart of some humans, even when the scripture has clearly stated that all human beings have a common root from our first parents, Adam and Eve, a symbol that love and care should lead in human affairs towards one another in every society.
This was in the case on Sunday afternoon in the academic community of the Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa Campus, Oruk Anam Local Government Area, as Enwongo Akpan, a 200 Level Student of the Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts became a victim where a road side fuel retailer poured fuel and set him ablaze after an argument on the fuel being adulterated.
It was gathered that the victim was said to have bought N500 petrol from the roadside petrol dealer but it failed to ignite his generator after poured in 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, where argument ensued, resulting in the unfortunate scene of cruelty.
An eyewitness, Idongesit Akpan said in the course of argument, the dealer collected the petrol, poured it on his victim and struck matches on him before he caught fire while others 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 as he was rushed to Mercy Hospital in Abak for immediate treatment .
“The incident attracted attention of community leaders including former Chairman of Oruk Anam, Prince Ubong Idiong who prevailed on students of the varsity for calm and forestall reprisal action.
In telephone interview, Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer, SP 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” he said.
Meanwhile, Enwongo has been transfered to UUTH, Uyo from Mercy Hospital, Abak for adequate medical attention.
The students in a statement condemned the act by the culprit and commended the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nse Essien, The Dean Students of Affairs, Dr. Monday Dickson and Hon. Sampson Idiong for their swift response as well as assurance of immediate security action against the culprit.
They called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to ensure that adequate measures of security are taken to keep students safe in Obio Akpa community as the clashes between students and indigenes have become reoccurring and uncontrollable.
