The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the death of a student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), following a violent armed robbery in the early hours of Monday, June 23, 2025.
Although a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Wasiu A. Abiodun, identified the student as simply Jafar, ASHENEWS confirmed Abdulwahab Abubakar as the name of the student.
The command disclosed that the attack occurred at a student lodge in the Ndakitabu area of Lapai Local Government Area.
“Today, being 23rd June 2025, at about 3:00 a.m., information was received that at about 2:30 a.m., some hoodlums attacked a student lodge in the Ndakitabu area via Lapai. Police operatives from Lapai Division rushed to the scene, but the suspected robbers had already escaped,” the statement read.
The assailants reportedly carted away valuables and fatally stabbed one Jafar, a 200-level Chemistry student from Kwara State. He was rushed to the General Hospital in Lapai, where he was later confirmed dead.
The tragic incident triggered a protest by IBBUL students, who decried the growing wave of violent attacks on student lodges in the area. In protest, some students barricaded the Agaie-Lapai Road, demanding swift action and improved security.
SP Abiodun stated that tactical teams had been deployed to restore calm and ensure the safety of residents.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and issued a directive that the perpetrators must be brought to justice,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Niger State chapter of the IBBUL Alumni Association has expressed deep concern over the rising insecurity in Lapai. In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq Gani, the association condemned the attack and called for immediate intervention.
“The recent surge in armed robbery incidents in Lapai has led to the loss of lives and property. This trend poses a grave threat to academic activities and the safety of our students,” the statement read.
The alumni body urged the state government, university authorities, and other stakeholders to take concrete steps to address the situation.
“We respectfully call on the relevant authorities to act swiftly to resolve this security challenge. We also urge students and alumni to remain calm and law-abiding. The alumni association remains committed to working with the government and security agencies to find a lasting solution and ensure a safe learning environment for all,” it added.
As investigations continue, tension remains high within the university community, with many hoping for swift justice and long-term security reforms.
