A 300-level student of the University of Port Harcourt Cynthia Chukwundah has allegedly set her estranged lover ablaze in a private residence in Choba in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
The incident reportedly happened on Saturday, but the victim died on Sunday from his injuries. While the suspect is said to be receiving treatment at a hospital for burns she also sustained.
According to reports, Cynthia, who is eight months pregnant, and the deceased, Sunny, both hail from Emohua Local Government Area.
An eyewitness, who gave his name as Emmanuel, said Sunny had arrived unannounced at Cynthia’s residence after being absent for over six months following her pregnancy.
Emmanuel narrated that Cynthia had left her door open to quickly buy some items, only to return and find Sunny lying on her bed. An argument reportedly ensued over his unexpected visit.
Shortly after, Cynthia allegedly stepped out, returned with petrol, and waited until Sunny fell asleep before dousing him and the bed with fuel and setting them on fire.
“The guy came to visit her after being away for so long,” Emmanuel said. “He entered the room when she wasn’t around and lay on the bed. When Cynthia came back and saw him, she was not pleased. After an argument, she left, returned later while he was sleeping, and then set him on fire.”
The incident occurred at Cynthia’s residence in Choba, sparking outrage in the community.
Spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday and sent to the media.
Iringe-Koko also said the girl, who also suffered some burns from the inferno, is receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital under the watch of the police, saying the command has launched an investigation into the incident.
The statement reads, “The Rivers State Police Command is aware of and deeply concerned about a circulating social media report depicting a fire incident that occurred at No. 11B Okoro Street, Choba, Port Harcourt.
“According to the report, one Cynthia Chukwundah, a 300-level female undergraduate student of the University of Port Harcourt, allegedly set her boyfriend, one Saint Sunny Amadi, a 32-year-old male from the Elibrada Community in Emohua LGA, ablaze in a room, resulting in severe injuries during the inferno.
“He was rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) for medical treatment.
“Upon receiving the report at about 1112 hours, Police detectives from the Choba Division promptly visited the scene and the victim at the hospital, who was in critical condition. Unfortunately, the victim later succumbed to injuries and died while on admission.”
She added, “The Police have located Cynthia, who is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital due to injuries she also sustained during the incident. She is also heavily pregnant with the deceased’s child.
“Due to her critical condition, she is unable to provide a detailed account of the incident, but will do so when her condition is stable.
“The probable cause of the fire incident is yet to be ascertained, and a thorough investigation has been launched to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
cpcnews.org 