A 200-level student of Agriculture at the University of Jos, identified as Nanpon Timnan, has allegedly killed his best friend, Peter Mafuyai, a 300-level Banking and Finance student, and buried him in a shallow grave.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday, October 25, at the suspect’s off-campus residence in the Laranto area of Jos, leaving students and residents in shock.
According to eyewitnesses, both friends were known for their close relationship and passion for music. They reportedly went out to play football before heading to a studio for a recording session earlier in the day.
After returning home, Nanpon allegedly fetched a machete. When questioned by other occupants of the compound about what he intended to do with it, he gave no explanation. Moments later, he reportedly attacked Mafuyai with the machete.
A student who witnessed the incident said, “He struck his friend with the machete. Others in the compound screamed and ran out for help, but when they returned, he had already buried the body behind the house.”
Following a distress call received around 9:30 a.m., officers from the Laranto Police Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, swiftly arrived at the scene and arrested the suspect.
A police source confirmed that the body was exhumed and taken to the Bingham University Teaching Hospital morgue for autopsy. The suspect is currently in custody as investigations continue to uncover the motive behind the killing.
Preliminary police findings suggest that the two friends might have had a disagreement related to their music project, though the actual cause of the conflict remains unclear.
When contacted, the University’s Acting Head of Information, Tongdyen Dachung, said he could not make any comment until the details were confirmed officially.
Meanwhile, the Student Union Government (SUG) President, Jane Pwajok, stated that the matter is being handled by the police and that the union is closely following the case to understand what truly transpired.
