Nigerians mourn Akwa Poly final year student found dead in her room

Emmanuel Job, Uyo

Emem Jimmy, final year student of the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua in the Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Thursday died in her sleep.

Jimmy was of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies.

It was learnt that Jimmy died alone in her room  on Thursday, 17th July 2025, but was discovered on Friday  night by neighbours. 

Eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity disclosed that the deceased was hale and hearty the previous day and even shared dinner with other tenants at the Students’ Lodge before retiring to bed, and only to be found dead in the morning. 

A neighbour, who also pleaded anonymity, added that it was on Friday evening around 10 pm when the caretaker of the lodge raised the alarm that the deceased was not seen outside throughout the day, resulting in other neighbours to be curious about her whereabouts. They could not open the door as she locked  herself inside the room.

“It was then that all the  tenants came out, opened the roof and broke the ceiling to gain access to the room.

“The deceased was found wrapping herself with the bedspread while holding her cell phone tight suggesting that she wanted to make calls but couldn’t.

“It was discovered that  blood oozed out from her nose and  stained the mattress as she laid face down stiffed dead.”

According to neighbours, the caretaker of the compound called the elder brother of the deceased, who took the corpse to mortuary. 

Addressing the students during the candle light procession ahead of burial on Saturday, 25th July, 2025, the Head of Department of Journalism and Media Studies of the institution, Dr Inemesit Umoren consoled with  the students and advised them to take heart as God knows all things. 

He warned them to spend time to attend to medical check ups and know their body chemistry alongside their academics engagements.

“It is sad that we lost one of you again. This is the second time we lost a student in the Department of Journalism and Media Studies this year.

“May the soul of the departed rest in peace. We pray, it won’t happen again. I sympathise with you people. Take heart! Rest in Peace Emem Jimmy.”

Meanwhile, the President of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, Mr Nsoefen Akpan enjoined all the students to attend the burial of their colleague and accord her befitting funeral on Saturday, 25th July, 2025.

“I know our heart is heavy with tears in our eyes but try and come out for the burial,” he said.