UPDATED: Apprehension, Uncertainty Trail Mysterious Deaths of 2 Lovers in Taraba

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

The sudden and mysterious deaths of a 100-level Mass Communication student of Taraba State University, Jalingo, Comfort Jimtop Oliver, and her alleged lover, Emmanuel Kefas, have thrown the university community and residents of Jalingo into deep apprehension and confusion.

Akahi News gathered that the tragic incident has triggered a wave of speculations, with conflicting narratives surrounding the circumstances leading to their deaths.

How the Tragedy Unfolded

According to eyewitnesses and neighbours in Bakasi, where both deceased persons resided about 200 meters apart near Dr. Rapha Memorial Guest Inn by the Vice-Chancellor’s Gate, Comfort had been declared missing after leaving home on Wednesday, 10th September 2025, to an undisclosed location.

Family members, after a frantic 48-hour search, reportedly discovered her lifeless body in the room of her lover, Emmanuel Kefas, a graduate of Human Kinetics from the same university. The apartment was said to have been under lock and key, raising further suspicions about what might have transpired behind closed doors.

Hours after Comfort’s body was found on Friday morning, 12th September 2025, news broke that Emmanuel himself had been discovered dead in Tudiri community, a few meters from Jalingo, in what police sources suspect might be a case of suicide.

Conflicting Narratives Emerge

While some residents claimed Emmanuel had taken his own life out of guilt, others insisted he might have been murdered by unknown assailants who were still at large.

Akahi News learnt from students living in the neighbourhood that Emmanuel had reportedly been in the habit of assaulting Comfort during heated arguments whenever she visited. This revelation has further fuelled speculations of possible foul play in Comfort’s death and Emmanuel’s mysterious end hours later.

One student, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “We always heard loud quarrels from his apartment whenever Comfort visited. Nobody expected it would end like this. It is too shocking.”

Police Launch Investigation

The Taraba State Police Command has since launched a full-scale investigation into the deaths. While confirming the incident, police authorities appealed to the public to remain calm, assuring that thorough findings would be made to unravel the true circumstances behind the tragedy.

A police source told Akahi News that although initial reports suggested suicide, detectives were exploring multiple angles, including the possibility of third-party involvement.

“We are not ruling out anything for now. Our job is to establish facts, not assumptions. The public should give us time to conclude investigations,” the source said.

Campus and Community in Mourning

The deaths have left students and residents in shock, with many calling for improved security measures within and around the university community.

Comfort, aged 25, hailed from Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State. She was described by classmates as a “gentle and ambitious” student with dreams of becoming a broadcaster. Emmanuel, on the other hand, recently graduated in 2024 and was awaiting opportunities after his youth service.

The two were said to have been dating since Emmanuel’s days as an undergraduate, making their deaths even more puzzling to those who knew them closely.

Awaiting Autopsy, Final Clarifications

As at press time, the bodies of both deceased persons had been deposited at a state hospital mortuary pending autopsy reports that would give clearer insight into the cause of deaths.

Authorities assured that findings would be made public as soon as investigations were concluded.

Meanwhile, residents continue to speculate, with some insisting Emmanuel was only a victim of circumstances and not the perpetrator of Comfort’s death as initially alleged.

Heightened Tension in Jalingo

The incident has left Jalingo in palpable tension, with parents, students, and residents expressing concerns over safety and the need for authorities to uncover the truth swiftly.

Community leaders have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified rumours that might complicate the ongoing investigation.

Until the police conclude their work, the mystery surrounding the deaths of Comfort Jimtop Oliver and Emmanuel Kefas remains unsolved, fuelling anxiety across Taraba State.

Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org