By Deborah Nnamdi
A 31-year-old resident of Azikiwe Street in Diobu, Port Harcourt, is currently evading authorities after allegedly dousing his neighbour with boiling water.
Eyewitnesses report that the suspect, identified as Ejike, poured boiling water on Blessing Nwankwo, resulting in severe burns to her face and frontal parts of her body.
The incident reportedly occurred after Blessing, a hairstylist, accidentally splashed hot water on Ejike’s son. Sources indicate that she was carrying an electric kettle filled with hot water for a client’s braiding appointment when the child ran into her. During the collision, some of the hot water splashed onto the child’s leg.
In a fit of rage, Ejike allegedly picked up the kettle and poured its contents over Blessing, who was attending to the child to assess his injury. Following the incident, Ejike fled the scene.
Neighbours quickly transported Blessing to the Azikiwe Police Division in Illabouchi, where she received a police medical form before being taken to the hospital for treatment.
Blessing’s older brother, Goodluck Nwankwo, expressed his outrage, stating, “We want the police to apprehend this young man. Once he is arrested, he will understand the consequences of his actions. It is not right; I must take the necessary steps for the government to intervene. I want justice to be served.”
Although attempts to contact the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe Koko, were unsuccessful, multiple police sources have confirmed the incident.
As of the time of this report, law enforcement is actively pursuing Ejike, who remains at large.
