A 200-level political science student of Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University (MOAUM), Rose Adikwu, has been hospitalised in Makurdi after allegedly suffering serious burns in an attack involving her cousin and co-tenant.
Adikwu is currently receiving treatment at a private medical facility in the Benue State capital following the incident, which reportedly occurred on Friday, August 28, 2026.
The alleged attacker, identified as Agbo Felicia, a 500-level chemistry student, was arrested by the police after the incident.
According to Adikwu, the disagreement between her and Felicia had persisted for some time before the situation escalated.
She disclosed this while speaking with the Students’ Union President, Akighirga Vitalis, and other union officials who visited her at the hospital.
Adikwu said the dispute centred on personal issues and had become so intense that she eventually asked Felicia to leave the apartment they shared.
She alleged that after moving her belongings out, Felicia went to a neighbour’s apartment, where she boiled water and added pepper, salt, onions and seasoning to it.
Adikwu further claimed that Felicia returned to their apartment with the hot mixture and poured it on her before locking the door and leaving.
“She then returned to the apartment and poured the hot mixture on me, locked the door, and left me inside while I cried for help,” Adikwu alleged.
She said neighbours heard her cries and rushed to her aid, eventually gaining access to the apartment and rescuing her.
The suspect was also reportedly stopped while attempting to leave the area, after which the police were contacted and she was taken into custody.
Reacting to the development, the Students’ Union President expressed concern over the student’s condition and condemned the alleged attack as “a grave and unacceptable assault on the life and well-being of a fellow student.”
“We are deeply concerned about this incident. The Students’ Union will follow this matter closely until justice prevails,” Vitalis told the victim and her family.
He said the union would liaise with relevant authorities, monitor the police investigation and follow any disciplinary process that may be initiated by the university.
Vitalis added that, should the allegations be proven through due process, the union would support appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with the institution’s rules, including expulsion where necessary.
“The Students’ Union will not condone violence or any conduct capable of endangering the life of another student,” he said.
He also advised students facing disagreements with roommates, relatives or colleagues to seek peaceful and lawful means of resolving their differences.
“I encourage students experiencing personal disagreements to seek intervention from university authorities, Students’ Union structures or law enforcement agencies rather than resorting to violence,” he said.
The Students’ Union President was accompanied by other members of the union’s executive during the visit to the hospital.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Benue State Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, confirmed both the incident and the arrest of the suspect.
Aondongu said initial information available to the command showed that the two students had been living together before their disagreement escalated.
“Yes, it happened on Friday, August 28, 2026.
“From the information I have, both students were staying in the same room and had an issue.
“The suspect allegedly boiled water, added salt and pepper, and poured the mixture on the victim and then locked her inside.
“After some time, people became aware of what had happened and were able to intervene and rescue the victim. She was subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment, while the suspect was arrested.
“I don’t have much information yet about the genesis of the disagreement or what led to the incident, but I can confirm that the incident happened. I also understand that both of them are students of the Benue State University,” the police spokesman said.
The police spokesman said the command had commenced an investigation to establish the circumstances that led to the alleged attack.
He added that further details would emerge as the investigation progresses.
Benue varsity student hospitalised after cousin allegedly pours hot pepper mixture on her