Tragedy: 200-Level student allegedly kills mate, buries body in shallow grave
Tragedy struck over the weekend as a 300-level student of the Department of Banking and Finance, University of Jos(Unijos), identified as Peter Mafuyai, was allegedly killed by his friend and fellow student, Nanpon Timnan, a 200-level student of Agriculture.
The incident reportedly occurred at Mafuyai’s Rukuba Road off-campus apartment, where Timnan allegedly attacked him with a machete before burying the body in a shallow grave behind the house.
Investigations revealed that both students were close friends who often spent time together.
According to eyewitness accounts, the duo had gone out to play football on the day of the incident, returned home, and later visited a music studio for a recording session before heading back to their residence.
“Upon returning from the studio, he (Nanpon) went to get a machete. The other occupants of the compound, who were also friends with them, asked what he wanted to do with it, and he said he needed it for something.
“He then struck his friend with the machete. The other occupants of the compound began shouting and asked what the victim had done to deserve that, but he did not respond.
“They ran out to call for help, and by the time they returned, he had buried the body behind the house in a shallow grave,” he said.
The shocking incident has left the university community in deep sorrow and disbelief. Another source said the motive for the killing remains unclear but might be linked to the music project the two friends were reportedly working on together.
Police operatives have since invited other occupants of the apartment for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Plateau State Command, DSP Alfred Alabo, said a statement would be released after preliminary investigations are concluded.
“We are aware of the incident and have commenced investigations. A detailed statement will be issued once facts are verified,” he said.
Meanwhile, the management of the university has confirmed the murder of the the 300-level student by his friend and fellow student.
Rejoice Songden, the registrar of the university, confirmed the incident in a condolence message on Monday in Jos.
Songden, who condemned the incident, clarified that the incident occurred outside the school premises.
“The Management of the University of Jos has received with deep sadness the report of the unfortunate incident involving two students, which tragically resulted in the death of a 300-level student of the Department of Banking and Finance.
“The deceased was allegedly murdered by his friend, Nanpon Timnan, a 200-level student of the Department of Agricultural Science.
“On behalf of the council, management, staff and students, we express our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased and pray for God’s comfort and strength to bear the painful loss.
“The Management, however, wishes to clarify that the incident occurred off campus, not within the university premises as erroneously reported by some media outlets.
“Students were not in session at the time of the incident; they are expected back on campus for the 2025/2026 academic session on November 10.
“We deeply regret this tragic development and assure parents, guardians, students, staff and the general public that adequate security measures are in place to safeguard lives and property within the university vicinity,” she said.
Songden said that the university is fully cooperating with the security agencies to ensure speedy investigation into the matter and ensure justice is served.
