For doubting the volatility of a fuel package bought off regular chain, Enwongo Akpan, student of Akwa Ibom State University, AKSU, had his body used to test combustibility of the petrol he bought form a roadside dealer at Obio Akpa, in the state.
Akpan is a 200 Level student at the Department of Philosophy, was said to have bought fuel from the roadside petrol dealer.
But following the product’s inability to ignite his generator, he returned with it to make a formal complain to the seller.
The student’s action and suspicion that the product must have been adulterated led to exchange of words by the duo and a subsequent attack by the seller who claimed to have used his victim’s body to confirm the strength of the product.
An eyewitness Idongesit Akpan who explained the situation to our Correspondent said “In the course of argument, the dealer collected the petrol, poured it on his victim and struck matches on him, he caught fire while the rest of us scampered for safety” .
Continuing, Akpan said the victim was rescued by villagers and students who alerted the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Nse Essien as he was rushed to Mercy Hospital in Abak for a first aid intervention.
“The incident attracted the attention of community leaders such as former Chairman of OrukAnam, Prince Ubong Idiong who prevailed on students to forestall reprisal action by students of the University .
“The victim was later transferred to another hospital in Uyo for proper medical attention,” he said
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, SP Odiko Mcdon confirmed the incident, but however regretted that the suspect escaped from the scene of the crime before the police could arrive .
” Yes we are aware of the incident. But the suspect escaped from the scene. Police is trailing the suspect now and he will soon be brought to book” he assured