Tragedy struck at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) over the weekend as a 300-level student of the Department of Banking and Finance, 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 by our correspondent 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,” a source said.
The source continued:
“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.”
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, told The Nation that an official 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.
UNIJOS Student allegedly Kills Colleague, Buries Body in Shallow Grave — a tragic reminder of rising campus-related violence that underscores the urgent need for strengthened student welfare and mental health support across Nigeria’s universities.
