By Barikui Felix
The management of the University of Port Harcourt has clarified that Cynthia Chukwundah, the woman alleged to have set her lover ablaze in Choba community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, is not a student of the institution.
Reports had claimed that Chukwundah, said to be a 300-level undergraduate, set her 32-year-old lover, Sunny Amadi, on fire during a domestic dispute. The Rivers State Police Command, in an earlier statement, had stated that Chukwundah was hospitalised with burns sustained in the incident and was under watch pending her recovery for interrogation. The police also noted that she is reportedly pregnant for the deceased.
However, in a statement issued by Dr. Sammy Kpenu, Head of Information, Publications, and Public Relations at the University of Port Harcourt, the institution refuted the claim, stating that internal checks confirmed Chukwundah is not a registered student.
The statement, titled “UNIPORT Clarifies Choba Fire Incident: Victim Not a Student,” read, “Following thorough internal checks and verification of our student records, the university wishes to categorically state that Cynthia Chukwundah is not a student of the University of Port Harcourt.”
Kpenu extended the university’s condolences to those affected by the tragic incident and assured the public that the institution is supporting the ongoing investigation. “We deeply regret the loss of life associated with this unfortunate event and express our condolences to the families affected. We are also closely following developments and cooperating with the relevant authorities to ensure that the matter is properly investigated,” the statement added.
The university reiterated its commitment to student safety and urged the public and media to avoid disseminating unverified information. “We urge members of the public and media outlets to refrain from spreading unverified information and to allow law enforcement agencies to conduct a full and impartial investigation,” the statement concluded.
