Japhet Toryila, a 200-level student at Benue State University in Makurdi, and three other people were killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
On Sunday afternoon, July 18, the assailants killed the Public Administration student in his farm at Tom-ayin in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue state.
Japhet completed his first semester exams last week and returned home to the farm, according to the reports.
According to a family source, the deceased was an orphan who had to farm to pay his school fees.
Meanwhile, friends, classmates, and colleagues have expressed their condolences on Facebook. Bola Dabo, his roommate, said they were together on Saturday.
“I’ve sobbed until I can’t anymore.”
My roommate, brother, and friend is a Benue State University public administration student. I was with Japhet Toryila yesterday, and today he is no more with us; he was killed by Fulani gunmen this afternoon kiaaa I will miss you forever bro. He wrote, “May your soul rest in peace.”
“On behalf of my humble self, family members, and NOSA NATIONAL SECRETARIAT as assistant general secretary, I am writing to inform you of the death of our beloved brother, school mate, course mate, and friend, Mr Japhet Toryila, who is currently a 200L student in the department of public administration at Benue State University Makurdi.”
His death was caused by cattle owners (FULANIS), who attacked him with three others and put an end to his hopes. We love you, Brother, but God loves you even more, and we pray that God will judge you mercifully. Mr. Japhet, rest in peace.”