7.5 Feet Long Cobra Killed At Students' Hostel

A 7.5 feet long cobra has been killed at the premises of the International Students Hostel in Accra.

The huge black skinned creature was found in a hole behind one of the men's blocks of the hostel. It was spotted by a group of men who were pursuing a rat they intended to kill for food.

On seeing the cobra, one of them, boldly attacked and killed it. When it was measured it was found to be about 7.5 feet long.

According to the leadership of the Students Representative Council, the serpent was able to find its way to the hostel probably because of the weedy surroundings.

A fortnight ago, another snake was killed at the hostel in one of the girls' cubicles. The occupants of that room have since vacated it for fear of being attacked by other harmful creatures.

The students have complained that for some time now, the upkeep of the hostel especially in terms of sanitation has become their sole responsibility. They have to contribute money to engage the services of labourers to weed the surroundings and clean the bathhouses on regular basis.

Meanwhile, the students have appealed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, to extend the deadline given them to vacate the premises of the hostel. They have complained that they cannot afford rent charges being quoted by landlords.

About a year ago, the ministry decided to increase the number of people in each room at the hostel from two to four. But the students protested against this directive and were in the process of negotiating for a review when another directive was issued that they should vacate the premises.

The Ministry has explained that the plot of land on which the hostel is situated is to be used for the construction of its new offices. But the students maintain that they do not have any alternative hence their plea for an extension of stay at the hostel.