Southern Delta University: 100-Level Student Battles for Life After Stabbing by Close Friend

A shocking case of attempted murder has rocked the Southern Delta University community, as Peace, a 100-level student, remains in critical condition after being brutally stabbed by her close friend in what police have described as a premeditated kidnap-for-ransom plot.

The suspect, identified as Mokwaya Printer, allegedly lured the victim to the school auditorium under the pretense of a casual meeting. According to SP Bright Edafe, Public Relations Officer for the Delta State Police Command, the suspect then attacked her with a kitchen knife, stabbing her twice in the neck and once in the chest.

After the stabbing, Printer used Peace’s phone to contact her father, demanding a ransom of ₦2 million. He reportedly requested an immediate advance payment of ₦200,000, intending to transfer the funds through a PalmPay account bearing the name Timo Kalu, disguising it as a mistaken transaction.

In a statement to investigators, the suspect revealed he had no quarrel with Peace prior to the attack. He said their conversation was about school activities, and she even unlocked her phone voluntarily, unaware of his deadly intentions.

“His motive, as he confessed, was purely to extract ransom money from her parents. He intended to kill her and then pose as a kidnapper to extort the family,” said SP Edafe.

Though gravely injured, Peace did not die instantly. In a courageous and crucial moment, she was able to identify her attacker by name to university staff before slipping into unconsciousness. That detail enabled the school authorities and security agents to begin a targeted manhunt, which led to the suspect’s apprehension.

She was rushed to a hospital, but currently in Ondo State, where she is receiving intensive medical care.

The incident has sparked outrage among students and members of the public, with many condemning the increasing incidents of youth violence, betrayal among peers, and what some have described as a moral collapse among certain segments of society.

“It’s heartbreaking. This was a trusted friend. There was no argument no warning signs. Just a cold, calculated attempt to kill for money,” said a staff member at the institution.

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the suspect and stated that a full investigation is ongoing. Authorities are working to trace all accomplices, including the owner of the account used in the ransom scheme.

The command urged students and the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious behavior, and avoid isolated meetings without informing trusted individuals.

This incident has once again raised questions about campus safety, youth mental health, and the role of families and schools in moral development.

As Peace fights for her life, many are calling for the swift prosecution of her attacker and stronger safeguards to protect students from violence especially at the hands of those they trust the most.