Benue University Student Arrested Over Alleged Hot Water Attack on Roommate

A final-year student of Fr. Moses Adasu University, Makurdi, has been taken into police custody following an alleged assault on a fellow student during a dispute that reportedly escalated into violence.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed the arrest on Saturday, stating that investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondona, the suspect and the victim were residing together when a disagreement broke out between them.

Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect allegedly heated water, mixed it with substances believed to include salt and pepper, and poured it on the victim before locking her inside the room. The victim was later rescued by concerned individuals and rushed to a hospital for medical attention, while the suspect was apprehended by law enforcement officers.

Police authorities said they are still gathering details on the cause of the conflict and the events that led to the attack.

Sources within the university community identified the victim as Rose, a 200-level Political Science student, while the suspect was identified as Felicia, a 500-level student of the institution. The two students were said to have shared accommodation before tensions reportedly emerged over personal disagreements.

Reacting to the incident, Students’ Union President Akighirga Vitalis visited the injured student in the hospital and condemned the alleged assault, describing it as a serious attack on a fellow student.

Vitalis said the union would closely monitor the case and work with relevant authorities to ensure a fair investigation. He added that appropriate disciplinary measures would be supported if the allegations are proven through due process.

The union leader also reiterated that acts of violence and behaviour that threaten the safety of students would not be tolerated within the university community.

Police investigations into the matter are ongoing.