A tragic incident rocked the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) community on Monday, as a pregnant 300-level student, identified as Cynthia Chukwundah, allegedly set her 32-year-old boyfriend, Sunny Amadi, on fire following a domestic altercation.
The incident occurred at No. 11B Okoro Street in Choba, Rivers State, sending shockwaves through the university town and leaving residents in mourning.
Police spokesperson in Rivers State, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday, describing the development as “deeply disturbing.”
“Although the exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined, the Rivers State Police Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding this tragic event,” Iringe-Koko said.
Eyewitnesses reported that the couple had a heated argument shortly before the fire erupted. Cynthia, who is reportedly pregnant with Amadi’s child, fled the scene but was subsequently apprehended by officers of the Rivers State Police Command.
Amadi sustained severe burns and was rushed by neighbours to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), where he later died from his injuries.
Police authorities stated that further updates will be made available as investigations continue.