Jalingo, September 14, 2025 – A shocking double tragedy has gripped Taraba State University (TSU) in Jalingo. Comfort Jimtop Oliver, a 100-level Mass Communication student, was found dead in her boyfriend’s apartment on Friday. Hours later, her boyfriend, Emmanuel Kefas, was also discovered deceased nearby. The incident has left the university community in fear and confusion. Police are investigating. Residents suspect foul play or suicide. The case has sparked widespread concern about student safety and relationships.
The Discovery of Comfort’s Body
Comfort Jimtop Oliver was 25 years old. She came from Takum Local Government Area. She lived in the Bakasi area of Jalingo. This is near the TSU Vice-Chancellor’s Gate. On September 12, her body was found in a locked room. The room belonged to her boyfriend, Emmanuel Kefas. He was a recent graduate of Human Kinetics from TSU in 2024.
Sources say Comfort was last seen alive on September 10. Friends grew worried when she did not return calls. They searched for her. They broke into the apartment after two days. Her body lay on the bed. Empty bottles of alcohol were beside it. No signs of struggle were visible. The room was under lock and key. This raised many questions.
The apartment was in a compound with 15 tenants. Comfort and Emmanuel lived just 200 meters apart. Both were from Bakasi. They were in a relationship. Neighbors said they often argued. Some claimed Emmanuel beat Comfort during visits. These reports are unconfirmed. Police have not verified them yet.
Taraba State Police Public Relations Officer ASP Leshen James confirmed the incident. He said officers arrived to find no one in the house. “The boyfriend and other tenants had abandoned the place,” James stated. Efforts are ongoing to track them down. A post-mortem exam will determine the cause of death. Preliminary reports suggest alcohol poisoning or natural causes. But suspicion lingers.
Emmanuel Kefas Found Dead Nearby
The story took a darker turn on September 13. Emmanuel Kefas was found dead in Tuduri community. This area is a few meters from Jalingo. His body was discovered hours after Comfort’s. Local residents found him. He was a 2024 TSU graduate. He studied Human Kinetics. Friends said he seemed distraught after Comfort’s death.
Residents believe Emmanuel took his own life. He was found in a secluded spot. No note was reported. Police are investigating. They want to know if he killed Comfort first. Or if both deaths were unrelated. The timing is suspicious. It has fueled rumors of a lovers’ pact or murder-suicide.
Emmanuel’s family is in shock. They live nearby. They said he was a quiet man. He worked after graduation. He avoided trouble. Comfort’s family from Takum is devastated. They traveled to Jalingo. They demand answers. “We need justice for our daughter,” one relative said.
Police Investigation and Early Findings
Taraba State Police Command has launched a probe. ASP Leshen James leads updates. He confirmed both bodies were recovered. Autopsies are pending. Toxicology tests will check for drugs or poison. The compound is now a crime scene. Tenants fled after Comfort’s body was found. Police are questioning them.
James said no weapon was at the scene. Empty alcohol bottles suggest heavy drinking. But no suicide note exists. CCTV footage from nearby is being reviewed. Neighbors heard no screams. This points to a quiet death. Police ruled out robbery. No valuables were missing.
The boyfriend’s flight adds mystery. Did he kill Comfort and run? Or was he innocent and overwhelmed? Emmanuel’s body in Tuduri suggests despair. Locals say he was seen wandering alone. This fits suicide theories. But police caution against conclusions. “We are gathering evidence,” James added.
Community Reaction and University Response
TSU is in mourning. Students gathered on September 13. They held a vigil for Comfort. Signs read “Justice for Comfort.” Many fear for safety. “This could happen to anyone,” a female student said. Classes were suspended for two days. Counseling services were offered.
University officials condemned the incident. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sunday Paul issued a statement. He called for calm. He promised support for families. TSU increased security patrols. Female students now walk in groups.
In Jalingo, fear spreads. Bakasi residents avoid the compound. Shop owners shared stories. One said, “I saw them arguing often.” Another noted Emmanuel’s sadness. Rumors of domestic violence circulate. Women’s groups demand action. They want better relationship education.
On social media, the story trended. Hashtags like #JusticeForComfort and #TarabaTragedy got thousands of posts. Nigerians shared grief. Some blamed alcohol. Others called for mental health help. Celebrities like Tonto Dikeh posted condolences.
Broader Issues: Student Safety and Mental Health
This tragedy highlights dangers for young women. TSU has seen similar cases. In 2024, two students died in accidents. Domestic violence is rising. Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics reports 30% of women face abuse. Students are vulnerable. They live off-campus. Limited oversight adds risk.
Mental health plays a role. Emmanuel’s possible suicide points to stress. Nigerian universities lack counseling. Only 20% have full services, per WHO. Post-divorce or relationship strain can lead to despair. Experts urge awareness. “Talk to someone,” Dr. Aisha Bello advised.
Alcohol abuse is another factor. Empty bottles suggest binge drinking. Nigeria’s youth consume more, per surveys. This risks health and judgment. Campaigns like “Drink Responsibly” gain traction.
For U.S. readers, this echoes campus tragedies. Like Virginia Tech or Ohio State. It shows global student struggles. Safety nets are key. Parents worry more now.
Family and Friends Speak Out
Comfort’s family is heartbroken. Her mother from Takum traveled fast. “She was our joy,” she cried. Comfort dreamed of journalism. She was bright and kind. Friends remembered her laugh. They plan a memorial.
Emmanuel’s kin deny violence. “He loved her,” his brother said. They seek closure. Both families demand quick probes. They want truth.
Police Vow Swift Justice
ASP Leshen James reassured the public. “We will find answers.” Teams are working round the clock. Autopsy results come soon. Suspects will face court. Taraba Police have resources. They coordinate with TSU.
Governor Agbu Kefas commented. He called it “heartbreaking.” He pledged support. Funds for families are promised. This shows state care.
Lessons and Moving Forward
This case teaches caution. Students should share locations. Universities need better welfare. Mental health hotlines can help. Nigeria’s 0800-123-4567 line is free.
The community unites. Vigils continue. Prayers fill mosques and churches. Comfort and Emmanuel’s stories warn of hidden pains. Love should not end in tragedy.
As investigations proceed, Jalingo holds breath. Justice is hoped for. Rest in peace, Comfort and Emmanuel.