A 200-level student of the Department of Philosophy, Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Obio Akpa campus, is currently fighting for his life after being set on fire by a roadside petrol seller in Akwa Ibom state.

The victim, Ewongo Akpan was said to have bought N500 worth of petrol for his generator from the culprit on Saturday, July 9, and when the generator failed to supply electricity, Akpan went back to the dealer accusing him of selling adulterated fuel.

The confrontation further degenerated into the exchange of words and according to an eyewitness, the dealer collected the petrol, poured it on Akpan, and lit a match stick, setting him ablaze while others scampered for safety.

The victim was rescued by villagers and students who rushed him to Mercy Hospital in Abak for immediate treatment, and afterwards alerted the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Nse Essien about the incident.

Following the incident, the petrol dealer absconded from the scene and the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has since launched a manhunt for his arrest.