Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The family of Ibrahim Mbaya, a 25-year-old graduate of the University of Jos who was beaten to death by a mob in Plateau State, has announced that he will be buried on Thursday in his hometown in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State.
His younger brother, James Mbaya, said arrangements were underway to transport his remains home for burial.
“We are making arrangements for his corpse to be brought home. He will be buried on Thursday,” James said.
Describing the loss as devastating, he said the tragedy had left the family, particularly their parents, struggling to come to terms with his death.
“His (Ibrahim) death has really devastated us, especially our parents. I don’t think they are ever going to recover from the shock of his death because he was the first child and the first male child of the family. We had great expectations from him.
“He had a lot of dreams that were unachieved. We are really disheartened about his death, but there is nothing we can do about it again; we just have to take it in good faith and hope that justice is done,” James added.
He described Ibrahim as a model, dancer and entrepreneur who had ambitions of establishing a fashion house and a restaurant.
The family also urged the police to ensure that all those responsible for the killing are prosecuted.
“Everyone involved in his death should get the punishment they deserve, although this won’t bring him back, but it is the best thing that can ever happen to the family after his tragic loss.
“The manner in which he died was very brutal and inhumane. Nobody should have gone through such inhumane treatment. Nobody should die such a brutal death. It is quite terrible and horrifying,” he said.
Mbaya was beaten to death on Sunday at an off-campus apartment behind the City of David area along Ring Road in Jos.
According to police, Mbaya had attended a social gathering and spent the night at a friend’s apartment because it was too late for him to return home.
Investigators said a missing iPhone 12 was discovered the following morning, after which Mbaya was accused of being responsible. Although he initially left the apartment, he later returned after being asked to explain himself.
Police said he was subsequently confronted by his friend and a group of youths who accused him of stealing the phone.
Witnesses alleged that he was assaulted for several hours in an attempt to force a confession and later lost consciousness. A nurse who examined him reportedly confirmed that he had died.
The Plateau State Police Command said three suspects, identified as Rinji Daniel Fwanji, Emmanuel Newyear and Nensemka Fwanji, had been arrested in connection with the alleged homicide, while investigations continue.
