Plateau crisis: NYSC member burnt to death on POP Day

A resident, Peter Ganchok, reported that a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member was attacked and set on fire during renewed violence in Anguwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area.

Very Nigerian confirmed that Haruna Ibrahim, an NYSC corps member, was killed on Tuesday the same day he was scheduled to take part in his Passing Out Parade (POP), marking the end of his national service.

The incident has escalated tensions in the state.

A resident, Peter Ganchok, who shared details of the incident, alleged that the corps member was attacked and set ablaze amid retaliatory violence in the community.

“Haruna Ibrahim, a Nigerian Corps member from Batch A1 2025, serving under the Sport CDS in Jos, has been brutally killed in a heartbreaking and tragic incident,” Ganchok said.

He added, “He was reportedly attacked and burned to death in Anguwan Rukuba by some angry youths in the area, following an earlier attack on their community by unidentified gunmen.”

Describing the incident as devastating, Ganchok noted the painful irony surrounding the timing of the killing.

“What makes this loss even more painful is that yesterday… was meant to be his Passing Out Parade (POP), a day that should have marked the successful completion of his national service,” he said.

“Instead, his life was cut short in the most horrific way.”

The killing comes amid escalating violence in parts of Jos, particularly around Anguwan Rukuba, where clashes have led to destruction of property and loss of lives in recent days.

Very Nigerian had earlier reported growing panic among students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) and residents, following threats and attacks linked to the unrest in the area.

In a distress messages circulating online, students and residents warned of worsening insecurity and called for urgent intervention by security agencies.

“We are calling on all friends and comrades to tag the Nigerian president and IGP to urgently send protection to Jos especially UNIJOS NOW!!!! They are so scared,” a social media user, Rhoda Nanre, had said.

The University of Jos Alumni Association had also raised the alarm over the deteriorating security situation, urging authorities to deploy more personnel to safeguard students and staff.

“The University of Jos Alumni Association expresses deep concern over the recent rise in tension and reported threats affecting students, staff and the broader university community,” the association said in a statement.

It called for “round-the-clock patrols, intelligence-led surveillance, and rapid response units” to prevent further attacks.

The latest killing also follows an earlier attack on a church in Anguwan Rukuba, where angry youths reportedly smashed windows and carried out violent actions amid the crisis.

Eyewitnesses had described chaotic scenes involving gunshots and stone-throwing, forcing residents to flee for safety.

Although security operatives have since been deployed to parts of the affected communities, residents continue to express concern over what they describe as delayed response and inadequate protection.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies in Plateau State have yet to issue an official statement confirming the killing of the corps member.

The incident underscores the worsening insecurity in Plateau communities, with many residents now living in fear as cycles of attack and reprisal continue unchecked.

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