The Plateau State Police Command has arrested a 200-level student of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), identified as Nanpon Timnan, for allegedly killing his close friend, Peter Mafuyai, a 300-level student from the Department of Banking and Finance. The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, October 25, at the suspect’s off-campus residence in the Laranto area of Jos.
According to eyewitnesses, both students were known to be best friends who shared a deep passion for music and often spent time together in studios working on songs. They had reportedly returned from a recording session on the day of the incident before the attack took place.
A fellow student who claimed to have witnessed the events said the two had earlier gone to play football, returned home, and later proceeded to the studio for a music recording. “Upon returning from the studio, he (Nanpon) went to get a machete. When other occupants of the compound asked him what he wanted to do with it, he said he needed it for something,” the student said.
The eyewitness further revealed that moments later, Nanpon allegedly struck Mafuyai with the machete without any provocation. “The other occupants started shouting and asking why he did it, but he didn’t say anything. They ran out to get help, and by the time they returned, he had already buried the body behind the house in a shallow grave,” the source added.
The sudden and brutal killing has sent shockwaves across the university community. Students described the pair as inseparable friends who shared dreams of pursuing a career in music together. The motive behind the murder remains unclear, though initial police investigations suggest a possible disagreement related to their ongoing music project.
A police source who confirmed the arrest stated that the operatives attached to the Laranto Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, responded promptly after receiving a distress call. “Following the distress call received around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, officers arrived at the scene where the suspect was apprehended. The remains of the victim were exhumed and taken to the Bingham University Teaching Hospital morgue for autopsy,” the source said.
The police have begun interrogating the suspect, while other close friends and roommates are being questioned to determine the circumstances that led to the tragic event. The Plateau State Police Command has also intensified efforts to uncover the motive behind the killing and ensure that justice is served.
When contacted, the university’s Acting Head of Information, Mr. Tongdyen Dachung, said he was aware of the incident but declined to make an immediate comment, noting that an official statement would be issued after confirmation from relevant authorities.
The President of the Student Union Government (SUG), Jane Pwajok, described the development as heartbreaking, noting that the union was closely following the police investigation. “It is a sad and disturbing incident. We are in touch with the authorities to get the full details of what actually happened,” she said.
The Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Alfred Alabo, could not be reached for comment as calls and text messages to his mobile line went unanswered at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, students on campus have expressed deep sorrow over the loss, with many describing the incident as one of the most shocking tragedies in recent memory. Some students who knew both friends said the two had a strong bond that made the news of the killing almost unbelievable.
“It doesn’t make sense at all. They were more like brothers than friends. They always went to the studio together. No one can understand what went wrong,” a classmate of the deceased said.
Security sources confirmed that the suspect remains in police custody and that investigations are ongoing. The Plateau State Police Command is expected to issue an official statement soon.
The University of Jos management has also pledged to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies as they work to ensure a transparent investigation into the matter. The case has reignited conversations about student mental health and interpersonal conflicts on Nigerian campuses, with many calling for stronger counseling systems and early intervention measures to prevent similar tragedies.
