The Students’ Union President of Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, Comr. Akighirga Vitalis, alongside some members of the Students’ Union leadership, on Saturday paid a hospital visit to a 200-level student of the Department of Political Science, Rose Adikwu, who is currently receiving medical treatment at a private hospital in Makurdi.
Rose was admitted following an incident in which she sustained severe burns after hot water was allegedly poured on her by Agbo Felicia, a 500-level student of the Department of Chemistry, who is also reportedly her cousin.
According to Rose, she and Felicia had been living together until disagreements arose over personal matters. She stated that the disagreements persisted to a point where she could no longer tolerate the situation and requested that Felicia vacate the apartment. She further alleged that after Felicia agreed to move out and packed her belongings, she went to a neighbour’s room, boiled water and allegedly mixed it with pepper, salt, onions and seasoning before returning to the apartment. According to her account, Felicia subsequently poured the hot mixture on her, locked the door and left her inside while she cried for help.
The incident reportedly attracted the intervention of members of the community, who intercepted Felicia while she was allegedly attempting to leave the scene. The police were subsequently invited, leading to her arrest. She is reportedly still in police custody.
During the hospital visit, the Students’ Union President expressed deep concern over the incident and strongly condemned the alleged act, describing it as a grave and unacceptable attack on the life and wellbeing of a fellow student. Comr. Akighirga Vitalis vowed to follow the matter closely until justice prevails, assuring Rose and her family that the Students’ Union would not abandon the matter. He stated that the Union would engage the appropriate authorities and monitor both the criminal investigation and any relevant institutional disciplinary process to ensure that the matter is given the seriousness it deserves.
The Students’ Union President further stated that if the allegations are established through the appropriate investigative and disciplinary processes, he would support the imposition of the full extent of sanctions permissible under the University’s regulations, including expulsion where warranted. He stressed that the Students’ Union would not condone violence or any conduct capable of endangering the life of another.
He therefore urged all students to desist from violence, intimidation, assault and other forms of misconduct capable of bringing the University into disrepute. He encouraged students experiencing personal disagreements or grievances to seek intervention from appropriate University authorities, Students’ Union structures or law-enforcement agencies rather than resorting to violence.
He also assured the student body that the Students’ Union remains committed to the welfare, safety and protection of all students and will continue to take necessary steps within the law to ensure that students are able to pursue their education in a peaceful and secure environment.
