 in Lapai, Niger State, following the brutal killing of one of its students){kind=link}
Tragedy struck the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBUL) in Lapai, Niger State, following the brutal killing of one of its students, Abdulwahab Jafar, in what is suspected to be an armed robbery attack. Jafar, a 200-level undergraduate of Science Education (Chemistry), was fatally assaulted at his off-campus residence in the early hours of Monday, June 23, 2025.
According to reports from eyewitnesses, the assailants stormed the Nda Kitabu Lodge—situated directly opposite the university’s second gate—around 2:30 a.m. The intruders reportedly stabbed the student in the neck before fleeing the scene. Jafar was immediately rushed to the General Hospital in Lapai by residents and fellow students but was sadly confirmed d3ad upon arrival.
The devastating news sent shockwaves across the university community and triggered immediate protests from the student body. Grief-stricken and angry, the students mobilized and took to the streets, demanding justice and urgent government intervention to improve campus security. The protestors blocked the Agaie–Lapai Expressway, causing significant disruption to traffic flow and drawing the attention of security operatives in the area.
While the protest lasted just over an hour, tensions escalated when a journalist and founder of Lapai TV, who was covering the demonstration, was reportedly attacked by a group of agitated protesters. The motive behind the assault remains unclear, though it may have been fueled by growing frustration and the perceived lack of swift action from authorities.
In a swift response to the unrest and growing concerns over security in the town, the Emir of Lapai, His Royal Highness Alhaji Umar Bago Tafida III, convened an emergency meeting with the management of IBB University, student union leaders, and key community stakeholders. During the meeting, the Emir expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of the young student and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the entire university community.
As a mark of respect and in solidarity with the grieving university, the Emir announced the cancellation of the weekly Lapai Tuesday Market, a significant economic activity in the town. Furthermore, he declared a temporary curfew in Lapai to help restore calm and prevent any potential breakdown of law and order.
The Emir also issued a stern warning to individuals—whether students or members of the community—who may be collaborating with or shielding criminal elements. He emphasized that anyone found aiding such persons would face the full weight of the law.
At the time of this report, no official statement has been released by the university management. However, the university community continues to call for a comprehensive investigation into the incident and immediate steps to fortify the safety of students both on and off campus.