Some yet-to-be identified youths have reportedly stabbed Francis Palowei, a final year student of the Niger Delta University (NDU) Wilberforce Island over N500 levy in Amassoma community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

It was gathered that Francis, a student of the Social Science Education Department was k!lled at a popular sand dump on Monday, July 15, 2024, when he refused to give the youths N150.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a resident of the community stated that the sand dump is a popular spot where students often go to relax and socialize.

According to the resident, some youths of the area seeing the concentration of students around the sand dump, took it upon themselves to levy any students that came to that spot to relax, especially those who wanted to climb to the top.

He added that the student on Monday evening, went to the spot with some of his friends and was heading to the top of the dump when some youths demanded N500 instead of the “regular N150 levy.”

An argument was said to have ensued after which the youths invited others, including a notorious cultist, to attack Palowei. Unfortunately, Palowei died during the attack

He described the student as a promising young man with a bright future, adding that his murder had left his family, friends, and the entire university community in mourning.

The deceased, who was a native of Obrigbene town in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, was expected to graduate on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, when the university will hold its next convocation.

It was also gathered that the deceased’s father is a high-ranking police officer.

Mr. Ndoni Igezi, the Public Relations Officer at Niger Delta University, while reacting to the development confirmed the incident on Wednesday, July 17.

He described it as unfortunate, stating that police were already on the matter to curtail any escalation.

“The sand dump is located at the end of the community. Though the owner of the dump is not charging any fees for it, some youths in the community normally collect N150 to allow people to climb to the top to have fun.

The spokesperson of the State Police Command, ASP Musa Muhammed, who confirmed the incident said the Commissioner of Police had already deployed additional security personnel to the area to restore calm and orderliness.

He also stated that police were on the trail of the suspected killers.