Fear gripped the University of Jos (UNIJOS) community on Tuesday after the body of a middle-aged man was discovered on farmland within the institution’s permanent site, prompting renewed concerns over security in Plateau State.

The deceased, who was found without his head, is believed to be a local farmer known for cultivating crops on farmland within the university environment. University authorities confirmed that the victim was neither a student nor a member of staff.

A senior university official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, said preliminary findings suggest the victim was specifically targeted while carrying out his routine farming activities.

“The victim is known to people around the area because he regularly came to farm there. We believe he arrived early in the morning, as was his usual practice. The circumstances surrounding the incident are still being investigated,” the official said.

The official added that the victim’s family had been informed and arrangements were made to evacuate the body, while the university management had been briefed and was expected to issue an official statement through its Information Directorate.

The incident has heightened anxiety among students, staff and residents, coming amid ongoing security challenges in parts of Plateau State. University authorities have assured members of the campus community that they are working closely with relevant security agencies as investigations continue.

As of the time of reporting, the Plateau State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident.