It looked like a movie scene; but it was real. A graduating student of Guidance and Counselling at the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Obraka Megwai, was stabbed to death with a knife by Victor Chukwudi Osodi, an admission seeker.
Obiaka was killed for failing to contribute N50 to buy fuel. The incident happened in City Wise Hostel, an off-campus hall in Ekrejeta area of the university’s host community. There was pandemonium in the hostel last Tuesday when the news spread.
It was gathered that an argument ensued when the late Obiaka was asked to contribute N50 by the hostel’s caretaker to buy fuel to power the pumping machine. It was gathered that the slain student refused.
It was learnt that other occupants contributed the sum to the caretaker, who went to buy the fuel.
He was said to have got despite last week’s biting fuel scarcity.
Trouble, however, started when the pipe connecting the deceased’s apartment to the water tank was disconnected by the caretaker. The late Obiaka was said to have re-connected the tap without the caretaker’s consent.
In anger, the caretaker challenged the deceased and a row ensued between them. Their argument attracted other occupants, who reportedly condemned the late Obiaka’s action.
In the ensuing melee, Victor, who came to write the post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) but was not offered admission, took it upon himself to “deal decisively” with the late Obiaka. Victor was said to be living with his younger brother.
An occupant, who craved anonymity, said: “The first thing we heard was ‘you no fit try am’ and this was followed by a loud shout for help.”
The deceased was stabbed on the head and neck. Seeing what happened, other occupants fled while the victim was taken to the hospital where he was confirmed dead. The body was deposited at the Ufuoma Mortuary in Abraka.
The assailant reportedly escaped after the crime. He was said to be staying in the room of his younger brother, a 200-Level student, who had traveled before the incident.
When the hostel was later visited, the building was shut. The police reportedly fired several gunshots before locking the lodge.
An officer, who pleaded for anonymity because he was not authorised to speak, confirmed the incident when our correspondent visited Abraka Police Station. He said the police were on the trail of the assailant, who may have fled to his village.
