There is outrage in Amassoma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, following the fatal stabbing of a final-year student from Niger Delta University on Monday.
According to community sources, the victim, Francis Palowei, was at the Sand Dump, a popular student relaxation spot, when some local youths stabbed him after he refused to pay them N150. Palowei, from Obrigbene community in the Ekeremor Local Government Area, was set to graduate on July 24, 2024.
Police have since arrived in the community, searching for those responsible. Students from the university have also joined in the search, though some have been too shocked by the incident to attend classes.
Indoni Engezi, the Public Relations Officer of the university, confirmed the incident but stated that academic activities were not affected, as the university is separate from the host community of Amassoma. Engezi explained that while the owner of the sand dump does not charge a fee, local youths often demand N150 from visitors.
Police Public Relations Officer Musa Mohammed said Commissioner of Police Francis Idu has deployed additional officers to maintain peace in the area and has initiated a manhunt for the perpetrators.
