A Junior Secondary School 3 student of Ugboro Secondary School in Bekwara Local Government Area of Cross River State has allegedly killed a 23-year-old man who attempted to break up a fight.
The student, identified as Ogbeche, was reportedly engaged in a fight with another student named Nicholas after school hours on Tuesday when the victim, identified as Oshen, intervened to separate them.
According to eyewitnesses, Ogbeche accused Oshen of taking sides with his opponent. He allegedly left the fight, picked up a heavy pestle used for pounding food, and struck Oshen on the head.
“When he picked up the pestle, people were shouting at him to drop it, but he refused. He went ahead to hit Oshen on the head. The pestles we use here are very heavy, unlike the ones in town, and that was why just one strike caused severe damage,” an eyewitness, Lizzy, recounted.
Oshen was rushed to a hospital in Ogoja, where he later died the same night.
Community members said the suspect had a history of violent behavior, often attacking fellow students with dangerous objects, though no fatality had previously been recorded.
Police authorities confirmed that Ogbeche has been arrested and remanded in Ogoja prison pending further investigation.