Hot water attack: University student hospitalised with severe burns in Benue

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

A 200-level Political Science student of Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University (MOAUM), Rose Adikwu, has been hospitalised in Makurdi after she was allegedly scalded with hot water during a disagreement with her cousin and co-tenant.

Adikwu, who is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in the Benue State capital, was reportedly left with severe burns after the alleged attack on Friday, August 28, 2026.

The suspect, identified as Agbo Felicia, a 500-level Chemistry student, was subsequently arrested by the police following the incident.

Narrating her ordeal to the Students’ Union President, Akighirga Vitalis, and other union executives who visited her at the hospital, Adikwu said the incident followed a prolonged disagreement between her and Felicia, with whom she had been living.

According to her, tensions between them over personal matters worsened to the point where she asked Felicia to vacate the apartment.

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

She claimed that Felicia subsequently poured the hot mixture over her, locked the door and left her inside.

“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 her cries attracted neighbours, who intervened and rescued her, while Felicia was reportedly intercepted as she attempted to leave the area.

The police were later invited and the suspect was arrested.

Reacting to the incident, the Students’ Union President expressed concern over Adikwu’s condition, describing 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 assured the family that the union would engage relevant authorities, monitor the police investigation and follow any disciplinary proceedings that might arise within the university.

Vitalis added that if the allegations were established through due process, the union would support appropriate sanctions in line with the institution’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 urged students experiencing disagreements with roommates, relatives or colleagues 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.

The union president was accompanied during the hospital visit by other members of the Students’ Union executive.

In a statement signed by the Press Secretary to the Students’ Union President, Mark Tyodoo, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi, the union said it remained committed to the welfare and safety of students.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, Benue State Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, confirmed the incident and the arrest of the suspect.

Aondongu said preliminary information available to the command indicated that both students were living together before the disagreement occurred.

“Yes, it happened yesterday, Friday, August 28, 2026,” the police spokesman said.

“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 investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident was ongoing.

The post Hot water attack: University student hospitalised with severe burns in Benue appeared first on Vanguard News.