From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of Francis Palowei, a final-year Political Science student at the Niger Delta University (NDU) in Amassoma.
Preliminary reports from the university town indicate that Palowei, from Obrigbene in the Ekeremor Local Government Area, was killed by a group of youths demanding a levy from him at a popular relaxation spot known as Sand Dump.
The Sand Dump, known for its ambience, has become a popular relaxation and socialising spot for students. However, some local youths began charging a N150 levy to students accessing the spot.
Sources report that Palowei visited the Sand Dump on Monday evening, where the youths demanded N500 instead of the usual N150 fee. An altercation ensued when Palowei refused to pay the increased amount.
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The situation escalated when other students supported Palowei, while the levy collectors called for reinforcements, allegedly including suspected cultists. Palowei was reportedly attacked and killed, and some students sustained injuries.
Palowei’s death sparked protests from NDU students demanding justice and the arrest of those responsible. Tensions rose further as community youths prepared to resist any retaliation from the students.
The Commissioner of Police, Aloyenu Francis Idu, immediately deployed police reinforcements to Amassoma to prevent further unrest.
Mr Ndoni Igezi, the Public Relations Officer of NDU, confirmed the incident, describing it as unfortunate. He stated that the police are actively investigating to prevent escalation. He explained that while the owner of the Sand Dump doesn’t charge a fee, local youths had imposed an unofficial levy for access.
Police Public Relations Officer ASP Musa Muhammed also confirmed the incident, stating that the Commissioner of Police had deployed additional personnel to restore calm. He added that the police have initiated investigations and are searching for the perpetrators.