Some youths in Amassoma, the host community of the Niger Delta University (NDU), located in the Wilberforce Island axis of the community, have allegedly killed a final year student of social science education, Francis Palowei, over a N150 levy at a sand dump; a popular relaxation spot in the area.
A resident, who spoke with City & Crime on condition of anonymity, said the sand dump was a popular spot where students often went to relax, socialise and climb the height for fun.
He said some youths, on seeing the large number of students on the sand dump, took it upon themselves to levy the students, especially those that wanted to climb to the top of the sand dump, N150 each.
He said that on Monday evening, the victim and some of his friends came to the spot and were heading to the top of the dump when some youths demanded N500 from reach of them instead of the N150, a situation that led to an argument, and that the youths went and called more youths, including a notorious cultist, who came and attacked the students and in the process killed one of them.
The spokesman of the university, Mr Ndoni Igezi, who confirmed the incident on Wednesday, described it as unfortunate, stating that the police were on top of the situation.
He said that although the owner of the dump was not charging any fees from it, some youths in the community collected N150 to allow people to climb to the top to have fun.
Police spokesman in Bayelsa State, ASP Musa Muhammed, who confirmed the incident, said the police commissioner had deployed security personnel to the area and that they had launched a manhunt to arrest the suspected killers.
Meanwhile, the Student Union Government (SUG) of the Bayelsa State owned Niger Delta University (NDU), has directed that all classes be put on hold until the security situation in the host community is brought under control.
SUG President, Enrico Cavallari, and PRO, Desmond Ehifonria, in a statement on Wednesday, urged all students of the institution to restrict their movements until further notice.
They urged students to stay indoors to avoid any form of gathering or demonstration.
The statement said: “Due to the recent unrest in the university community, the Student Union Government (SUG) has advised that all students restrict their movement until further notice. As a precautionary measure, all classes are hereby on hold until the situation is brought under control.
“For your safety, please stay indoors and avoid any form of gathering or demonstration. Your cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated during this time.
“We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
Stay safe, and stay informed.”
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