The Plateau State Police Command has arrested a 200-level student of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), identified as Nanpon Timnan, for allegedly killing his close friend and fellow student, Peter Mafuyai, a 300-level Banking and Finance undergraduate.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the suspect’s off-campus residence in the Laranto area of Jos, plunging the university community into deep mourning.
According to eyewitnesses, the two friends were well known for their shared passion for music and often collaborated in recording studios. On the day of the incident, they reportedly returned from a studio session before the altercation turned deadly.
A student who witnessed the event recounted that both friends had earlier played football and gone to the studio. “When they got back, Nanpon went to pick up a machete. When asked why, he said he needed it for something. Moments later, he suddenly attacked Mafuyai without any provocation,” the witness said.
The source added that when neighbours rushed to intervene, the suspect allegedly buried the victim’s body in a shallow grave behind the house before help could arrive.
Police sources confirmed that officers from the Laranto Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), responded swiftly to a distress call. “Upon arrival around 9:30 a.m., the suspect was arrested, and the victim’s remains were exhumed and taken to the Bingham University Teaching Hospital for autopsy,” a police officer said.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the killing, with police interrogating the suspect and questioning close associates. Preliminary reports suggest the crime may have been linked to a disagreement over a music project the two were working on.
When contacted, Mr. Tongdyen Dachung, the Acting Head of Information at UNIJOS, confirmed awareness of the case but said the institution would release an official statement after verifying the details with law enforcement.
The President of the Student Union Government (SUG), Jane Pwajok, described the incident as heartbreaking. “It is a sad and disturbing situation. We are in touch with the authorities to get full details of what happened,” she said.
Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Alfred Alabo, for further comments were unsuccessful as calls and messages to his phone went unanswered.
Meanwhile, the university management has pledged full cooperation with the police to ensure a transparent investigation and justice for the victim.
The tragedy has reignited conversations on mental health awareness, emotional regulation, and conflict management among students in Nigerian universities, with calls for improved counseling and early intervention measures to prevent similar occurrences.
