Hot water attack: Benue varsity student hospitalised, roommate arrested

By Benedict Aboh

A 200-level Political Science student of the Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University (MOAUM), Makurdi, Rose Adikwu, has been hospitalised with severe burns after she was allegedly attacked with hot water by her cousin and co-tenant, Agbo Felicia.

Felicia, a 500-level Chemistry student of the same institution, was arrested by the police following the incident, which reportedly occurred on Friday, August 28, 2026.

Rose is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Makurdi, where she was visited by the Students’ Union President, Akighirga Vitalis, and other union executives.

Narrating her ordeal to the union delegation, the victim alleged that what started as a disagreement between her and Felicia over personal matters escalated after she asked her cousin to vacate their apartment.

According to Rose, Felicia packed her belongings and subsequently went to a neighbour’s room, where she allegedly boiled water and mixed it with pepper, salt, onions and seasoning before returning to their apartment.

She alleged that upon her return, Felicia poured the hot mixture over her body, locked the door and left her inside, forcing her to cry out for help.

“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.

Her cries reportedly attracted neighbours, who intervened and rescued her, while Felicia was allegedly intercepted as she attempted to leave the area. The police were subsequently invited and arrested the suspect.

Reacting to the incident, the Students’ Union President 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,” Vitalis told the victim and her family.

He assured the family that the union would engage relevant authorities and monitor both the police investigation and any disciplinary proceedings that may arise within the university.

Vitalis further said that if the allegations against Felicia were established through due process, the union would support appropriate sanctions in accordance with 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, while urging students experiencing disagreements with roommates, relatives or colleagues to seek peaceful intervention rather than resorting to violence.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Benue State Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, confirmed the incident and the arrest of the suspect, saying investigation was ongoing.

Aondongu 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.”

The Students’ Union, in a statement signed by its Press Secretary, Mark Tyodoo, said the union leadership would continue to monitor the situation and prioritise the welfare and safety of students.