A dark cloud has descended over the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa following a gruesome murder involving two students of the institution. The Nasarawa State Police Command confirmed on Friday, February 7, 2025, that John Gambo, a National Diploma (ND2) student of Banking and Finance, has been arrested for the brutal killing of his schoolmate, Ibrahim Matthew, a part-time ND2 Computer Science student.
A Brutal Crime Unfolds
According to the police, the violent altercation that led to the tragic event occurred at a residential apartment in Nasarawa town, where both students reportedly lived. The distressing incident came to light when a tenant, Mercy Bassey, reported a heated dispute between Gambo and Matthew, prompting the police to intervene.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Ibrahim Matthew lying in a pool of blood, suffering from multiple fatal wounds. Despite urgent efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the General Hospital, Nasarawa.
A Chilling Confession
Following his arrest, John Gambo confessed to hacking the deceased with both an axe and a knife, providing chilling details of the attack. The police swiftly recovered the murder weapons, which are now key pieces of evidence in the case.
The statement from the Nasarawa State Police Command, posted on X (formerly Twitter), read:
“The detectives found one Ibrahim Matthew, a part-time ND2 Computer Science student of the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa (FPN), lying in a pool of his blood. Ibrahim had suffered fatal injuries. He was immediately rushed to General Hospital, Nasarawa, where he was confirmed dead.”
“During interrogation, the suspect, John Gambo, admitted to using an axe and a knife to fatally attack the deceased. The weapons have been recovered, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.”
Social Media Reacts: Shock and Outrage
The news of the gruesome murder has sent shockwaves across social media, with many Nigerians expressing horror and concern over the rising cases of youth violence in tertiary institutions.
On Facebook and Instagram, students and alumni of the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa have been sharing tributes to the deceased, describing him as a humble and promising student. Many are calling for justice and a thorough investigation into the matter.
On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags such as #JusticeForIbrahim and #NasarawaPolyTragedy have begun trending, with users condemning the act and calling for stricter security measures within student residences.
A viral tweet from a concerned student read:
“How did we get here? A simple disagreement now leads to murder? Our generation is losing its values. Justice must be served. #JusticeForIbrahim”
Another user wrote:
“This is beyond tragic. A student brutally hacking another to death with an axe and a knife? Schools need to do better in handling conflicts among students.”
School Authorities and Police Investigations
The management of the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa has yet to release an official statement, but sources within the institution suggest that authorities are working closely with the police to prevent further unrest on campus.
Meanwhile, the police have assured the public that the case is being handled with urgency, stating that John Gambo remains in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) as investigations continue.
A Growing Concern Over Campus Violence
This incident raises serious concerns about escalating violence among students in Nigeria’s higher institutions. Reports of violent altercations, cult-related killings, and revenge attacks have been increasing, prompting calls for enhanced security, psychological counseling services, and conflict resolution programs in schools.
What Happens Next?
With the case now transferred to SCID, John Gambo is expected to face charges of murder, a crime that carries severe penalties under Nigerian law, including the possibility of the death sentence.
As the investigation unfolds, the public awaits justice for the slain student, while the Polytechnic community mourns the senseless loss of a young life full of promise.
