A tragic incident has unfolded in Choba, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, where a University of Port Harcourt student allegedly set her lover on fire following a dispute over her pregnancy.
The suspect, identified as Cynthia Chukwundah, a 300-level undergraduate of UNIPORT, reportedly carried out the act during a heated altercation with her boyfriend, 32-year-old Sunny Amadi, at a private residence on Okoro Street.
Confirming the incident, Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the altercation escalated on Sunday, culminating in a fire outbreak that inflicted critical burns on both individuals. Amadi was rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), where he later succumbed to his injuries.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that the incident occurred during a domestic dispute at a residence located at No. 11B Okoro Street, Choba. The male victim, Saint Sunny Amadi, from Elibrada Community in Emohua LGA, sustained severe burns and died while receiving treatment at UPTH,” Iringe-Koko stated.
She added that the suspect, who is said to be pregnant with the deceased’s child, also suffered burns and is currently undergoing medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital under police supervision.
“Cynthia is presently in a critical condition and unable to give a comprehensive account of the events. However, once her health improves, we expect to obtain a formal statement from her,” she said.
The exact cause of the fire remains unclear, though police have assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, has appealed for calm while pledging that justice will be served. “We understand the public’s concern and urge everyone to remain peaceful and allow the law to take its course,” he said.