Benue varsity student burnt with boiling mixture by roommate

A 200-level Political Science student of Father Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, Rose Adikwu, has been hospitalised with severe burns after she was allegedly attacked by her roommate following a disagreement.

The alleged assault occurred on Friday, August 28, 2026, with the victim accusing her cousin and co-tenant, Agbo Felicia, a 500-level Chemistry student of the same university, of pouring a hot mixture of water, pepper, salt, onions and seasoning on her.

Felicia has since been arrested by the police, who said an investigation into the incident was ongoing.

Adikwu, who is receiving treatment at a private hospital in Makurdi, was seen with several parts of her body covered in bandages.

Narrating the incident, the victim said tensions between her and Felicia had been building over personal disagreements until she eventually asked her roommate to leave the apartment.

She alleged that after moving her belongings out, Felicia went to a neighbour’s room, where she prepared the hot mixture before returning.

According to Adikwu, Felicia then allegedly threw the mixture on her, locked her inside the apartment and left.

She said her cries attracted neighbours, who came to her rescue and subsequently apprehended Felicia as she allegedly attempted to leave the area.

The police were later called to the scene and arrested the suspect.

Confirming the incident, the Benue State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, said the suspect was in custody while investigators were working to establish what led to the altercation.

“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,” Aondongu said.

He added that the victim was rescued and taken to hospital, while the suspect was arrested.

The police spokesman said he could not immediately provide details about the disagreement that preceded the alleged attack.

Meanwhile, the university’s Students’ Union Government has condemned the incident and pledged to monitor the case.

The SUG President, Akighirga Vitalis, led other union officials to the hospital to visit Adikwu and hear her account of the incident.

Vitalis described the alleged assault as unacceptable, assuring the victim and her family that the union would engage the relevant authorities to ensure the matter was properly investigated.

He said the union would also monitor any disciplinary proceedings by the university and support appropriate sanctions if the allegations were established through due process.

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

Vitalis urged students facing disputes with roommates or colleagues to seek assistance from university authorities, the Students’ Union or security agencies instead of resorting to violence.

The visit was also attended by other SUG officials, according to a statement signed by the union president’s Press Secretary, Mark Tyodoo.