Benue: Student hospitalised after being scalded in hot water attack

A 200-level Political Science major of Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University (MOAUM), identified as Rose Adikwu, is currently writhing in pain after what began as a disagreement with a family member sent her to a hospital, with her body covered in bandages from severe burns.

Rose is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Makurdi after she was allegedly attacked with hot water by her cousin and co-tenant, Agbo Felicia, a 500-level Chemistry student of the same university.

When Student Union President Akighirga Vitalis and members of the union executive visited her at the hospital, the visibly traumatised victim narrated how the disagreement with Felicia allegedly escalated into the violent attack.

According to her account, she and Felicia had been living together before disagreements over personal matters began to strain their relationship.

Rose said the disputes eventually became so intense that she asked Felicia to leave the apartment.

She alleged that after Felicia agreed and packed her belongings, she went to a neighbour’s room, where she boiled water and allegedly mixed it with pepper, salt, onions and seasoning before returning to the apartment.

Rose claimed that Felicia then poured the hot mixture 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,” Rose alleged.

She said her cries attracted the attention of neighbours, who intervened and allegedly intercepted Felicia as she attempted to leave the area.

The police were subsequently invited, and Felicia was arrested.

Reacting to the development, Akighirga expressed shock over the condition of the student and condemned the alleged attack, describing it 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,” he told Rose and her family at the hospital.

He assured the family that the Students’ Union would engage relevant authorities and monitor the investigation, as well as any disciplinary process that may arise within the university.

Vitalis said that if the allegations against Felicia are established through due process, the Students’ Union would support the application of appropriate sanctions under the university’s regulations, including expulsion where warranted.

“The Students’ Union will not condone violence or any conduct capable of endangering the life of another student,” he said.

He appealed to students facing disagreements with roommates, relatives or fellow students to seek peaceful intervention rather than resort to violence.

“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.

He reaffirmed the union’s commitment to students’ welfare and safety, stressing that disputes should never be allowed to escalate into acts capable of causing serious injury or threatening lives.

A statement, signed by the Press Secretary to the Students’ Union President, Mark Tyodoo, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi, said the President was accompanied on the hospital visit by other union executives.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue State Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, confirmed the incident.

He also confirmed that the suspect had been arrested while investigation was still ongoing.

The Police spokesman said, “Yes it happened yesterday, 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.”