Tragedy struck the University of Jos (UNIJOS) community over the weekend as a 300-level student of the Department of Banking and Finance, identified as Peter Mafuyai, was allegedly macheted to death and buried in a shallow grave by his friend and fellow student, Nanpon Timnan, a 200-level student of the Department of Agriculture.

The incident occurred at Rurso, an off-campus community where both students resided. Witnesses said the two were close friends and were often seen together, making the incident even more difficult for students and neighbours to comprehend.

According to findings, the pair had spent the day together, first playing football, then visiting a music studio for a recording session before returning home later that evening. It was shortly after their return that the situation reportedly took a tragic turn.

Sources within the neighbourhood told BusinessDay that Nanpon allegedly went to retrieve a machete upon arrival at their residence. When questioned by other occupants of the compound about his intention, he claimed he needed it for something unspecified. Moments later, he allegedly struck his friend with the weapon, leaving him lifeless on the spot.

Alarmed by the sudden act, other residents reportedly raised an alarm and ran out to call for help. By the time they returned, the suspect had allegedly buried Mafuyai’s body behind the house in a shallow grave, sparking outrage and panic in the community.

A police source said operatives from the Plateau State Command were alerted immediately and have since launched a full-scale investigation into the matter.

“All friends and close associates of the deceased have been invited for questioning as part of ongoing efforts to unravel the motive behind the killing”; the source said.

While the reason for the attack remains unclear, a source hinted that it might not be unconnected with a disagreement related to the music project the duo had been working on prior to the incident. However, authorities have yet to confirm this speculation.

At the time of filing this report, Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Plateau state command was yet to make an official statement regarding the incident.

Reacting to the tragic development, the University of Jos Management expressed deep sadness and extended condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Mafuyai.

In a statement signed by Rejoice James Songden, the Registrar, made available to Journalists on Monday evening in Jos, the institution clarified that the incident occurred off campus, not within university premises, contrary to reports in some quarters.

The University further disclosed that the 2024/2025 academic session had ended on August 30, 2025, and students were not in session at the time of the incident.

The statement assured parents and the public that adequate security measures remain in place to safeguard lives and property within the University environment.

The University also pledged to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served and that such tragic incidents do not recur, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining a safe, peaceful, and secure atmosphere for learning and research.

The statement reads “The Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of the Council, Management, Staff and Students of the University expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues of the deceased student and prays for God’s comfort and strength to bear the loss during this painful period.

“The Management wishes to clarify that the said incident occurred off campus, not within the University premises, as erroneously reported by some media outlets. It further explained that the University has since completed the 2024/2025 academic session, since 30th August, 2025; therefore, students were not in session at the time of the incident. Students are expected to resume the 2025/2026 academic session on the 10th November, 2025,” the statement reads in part.