Confusion swept through the University of Jos (UNIJOS) community on Tuesday after the beheaded body of a middle-aged man was discovered on farmland within the institution’s premises.
The deceased, whose identity had yet to be officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report, was found with his head severed and missing, sparking fear among students, staff and residents.
According to Vanguard, a 300-level student of the university, Pius Atok, said the body was discovered on a farm located within the university community.
“The body was found this morning on a farm around the university community. From what we gathered, the victim was neither a student nor a member of staff of the university,” he said.
A senior university official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media, confirmed the incident, saying preliminary findings suggested that the victim was a farmer who regularly cultivated crops on the farmland where his body was found.
“The victim is neither a student nor a staff member of the university. He is known to people around the area because he usually comes there to farm. We believe he came very early this morning, as he normally does,” the official said.
The source added that the circumstances surrounding the killing remained unclear but noted that the nature of the attack suggested it was targeted.
“What actually happened is still unclear, but from the nature of the attack, it appears those responsible came specifically to kill him and made away with his head,” the official said.
According to the university official, the deceased’s relatives had been contacted, while arrangements were underway to evacuate the body.
The source further disclosed that the university management had been briefed on the incident and would issue an official statement through its Information Directorate.
“The Information Directorate is handling the situation and will communicate appropriately through the university’s official platforms,” the source added.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, SP Alfred Alabo, for confirmation and further details were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
