Authorities have provided a detailed account of the circumstances leading to the tragic death of Jafar Abdulwahab, a student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, following a violent robbery attack early Monday morning.
The incident occurred at a student lodge in the Ndakitabu area, located on the outskirts of Lapai, Niger State.
According to a statement released by the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the Police Division in Lapai received a distress call around 3:00 a.m. on Monday.
The report indicated that some unidentified hoodlums had invaded a student residence at about 2:30 a.m., targeting occupants in a suspected robbery operation.
Upon receiving the alert, police officers were immediately dispatched to the scene. However, by the time operatives arrived, the assailants had already fled. Tragically, one of the victims, identified as Jafar, a student of the institution, had been stabbed in the neck during the attack.
SP Abiodun disclosed that Jafar was quickly rushed to the General Hospital in Lapai for emergency treatment but was later confirmed dead due to the severity of his injuries.
In reaction to the shocking incident, fellow students of IBB University took to the streets in protest, blocking the Agaie-Lapai Road in a show of outrage and demand for justice. The protests disrupted movement along the route for several hours.
The Police Command has since deployed tactical teams to the area to restore calm and prevent further escalation of the situation. SP Abiodun assured the public that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Usman Elleman, has ordered a thorough investigation into the case and mandated the immediate arrest of the perpetrators involved in the heinous act.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of IBB University, Mr. Baba Mohammed-Akote, confirmed the unfortunate incident and expressed deep concern over the loss.
He emphasized that the university management is taking necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its students while working closely with security agencies to maintain peace and restore normalcy within the campus and surrounding communities.