Bayelsa Varsity Final Year Student Killed Over N150

Some youths from Amassoma, the host community to the Niger Delta University (NDU) Wilberforce Island, have allegedly killed a final year student of the Social Science Education Department of the institution.

The victim, identified as Francis Palowei, was reportedly killed over a N150 levy at a sand dump, a popular relaxation spot in the area.

A resident who spoke anonymously said the sand dump is a popular spot where students often go to relax, socialise, and climb its height for fun.

He said some youths in the area, seeing the concentration of students at the sand dump, took it upon themselves to charge any student at the spot to relax, especially those who wanted to climb to the top of the sand dump.

He said on Monday evening, the deceased came to the spot with some of his friends and was heading to the top of the dump when some youths demanded N500 instead of the usual N150.

It led to an argument and the youths reinforced and killed the victim.

He said the late Francis, who is a native of Obrigbene town in Ekeremor local government area of Bayelsa State, had a bright future before the irate youths cut him down.

His murder has left his family, friends, and the university community in mourning.

It was also gathered that the deceased’s father is a high ranking police officer.

The university’s public relations officer, Mr Ndoni Igezi, who confirmed the incident yesterday, described it as unfortunate.

He said the police were on top of the situation to curtail any escalation.

The police command’s spokesman, ASP Musa Muhammed, said the police commissioner had deployed more personnel to the area to restore order.