Murder in the hostel

A graduating student of the Delta State University (DELSU), Obiaka Megwai, has
been stabbed to death by an admission seeker, Victor Chukwudi Osodi, following
an argument over N50 to buy fuel. PHILIP OKORODUDU (Graduating student of
Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering) and ESE OKODUWA (300-Level
Home Economics) report.
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.
CAMPUSLIFE 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.
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.”
CAMPUSLIFE gathered that 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 travelled before the
incident.
When CAMPUSLIFE visited the hostel, 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, CAMPUSLIFE gathered, may
have fled to his village.