Youths Kill Final-Year University Student Over N150 in Bayelsa
In the Amassoma community of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, a tragic incident occurred on Monday where some youths reportedly killed Francis Palowei, a final-year student at Niger Delta University (NDU), over a N150 levy at a popular sand dump.
According to a resident who spoke anonymously, the sand dump is a well-known spot where students frequently gather to relax, socialize, and climb for fun. The resident explained that some local youths, noticing the influx of students, started charging a fee for those wanting to climb the sand dump.
On Monday evening, Francis Palowei and his friends visited the spot. When they attempted to climb the sand dump, some youths demanded N500 instead of the usual N150, leading to an argument. The situation escalated when the youths called for reinforcements, including a notorious cultist, which tragically resulted in Francis’ death.
Francis Palowei, originally from Obrigbene town in Ekeremor Local Government Area, was a promising young man whose untimely death has devastated his family, friends, and the entire university community. It was revealed that his father is a high-ranking police officer.
Mr. Ndoni Igezi, the Public Relations Officer at Niger Delta University, confirmed the incident on Wednesday and described it as unfortunate. He assured that the police are actively addressing the situation to prevent further escalation. Igezi noted that while the owner of the sand dump does not charge any fees, some community youths collect N150 for allowing people to climb.
Bayelsa State Police spokesperson, ASP Musa Muhammed, confirmed the incident in Yenagoa. He stated that the Commissioner of Police has deployed additional security personnel to the area to restore calm and order. The police have also launched a manhunt to apprehend the suspected killers.
