A tragic incident occurred in the Choba area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over the weekend, as a 300-level student of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), identified as Cynthia Chukwundah, allegedly set her boyfriend, 32-year-old Sunny Amadi, on fire, leading to his death.
Cynthia, who is reportedly pregnant with the deceased’s child, allegedly committed the act following a heated disagreement. Although the exact cause of the altercation remains unclear, residents say it may have stemmed from a minor argument between the couple.
The incident happened at about 11:12 p.m. at No. 11B Okoro Street, Choba. Eyewitnesses said that after the fire broke out, neighbours rushed the victim to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), where he later died from severe burns.
Cynthia fled the scene but was later found by police operatives. She also sustained burns and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
Spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday.
“The Rivers State Police Command is aware of and deeply concerned about a fire incident involving one Cynthia Chukwundah, a 300-level female undergraduate, who allegedly set her boyfriend, Saint Sunny Amadi, ablaze,” the statement read in part.
She added that Amadi, who hailed from Elibrada community in Emohua Local Government Area, was in critical condition before he passed away at the hospital.
SP Iringe-Koko noted that Cynthia, who is heavily pregnant, is in no condition to make a statement yet, but police investigators are awaiting her recovery to obtain her version of events.
She said the probable cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and a thorough investigation has been launched to uncover the truth behind the tragic event.
“The Command assures the public that further developments will be made available as the investigation progresses,” she added.
