Tragedy Strikes Ibrahim Babangida University: Student Killed in Robbery Attack Sparks Outrage and Protests
The serene atmosphere of the Ibrahim Babangida University Lapai (IBBUL) in Niger State was shattered in the early hours of Monday, June 23, 2025, when suspected armed robbers invaded an off-campus student residence, claiming the life of a 200-level student identified as Jafar. The incident, occurring around 2:30 am, left the university community reeling in shock and grief, particularly as Jafar was reportedly his parents’ only son. The robbers allegedly stabbed Jafar in the neck during the attack. Despite being rushed to the General Hospital Lapai, he was pronounced dead on arrival. This tragic event ignited a wave of protests from enraged students who decried the persistent security threats they face living off-campus.
News of Jafar’s death spread rapidly through the student body, triggering a spontaneous outpouring of anger and frustration. Students, mourning the loss of their colleague and fearing for their own safety, took to the streets to voice their concerns. The Agaie-Lapai road, a major artery connecting the university town to other areas, became the focal point of the demonstration. Students barricaded the road, causing a significant traffic gridlock, as they demanded improved security measures to protect them from recurring attacks. The protests reflected a deep-seated anxiety among students about the vulnerability of off-campus housing and the perceived inadequacy of current security provisions.
Adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation, reports emerged that the protesting students had apprehended one of the suspected robbers and subsequently taken his life. While the police confirmed the initial robbery and the tragic death of Jafar, they remained silent on the alleged vigilante action by the students. The incident highlights the escalating tensions and the desperate measures some students feel compelled to take in the absence of what they perceive to be adequate protection.
The student protests underscore a broader concern about the safety and security of students living off-campus. One protesting student, speaking anonymously, lamented the lack of a police outpost near the campus and criticized the university management for their perceived inability to address the security challenges facing students residing outside the university’s immediate jurisdiction. The student’s remarks point to a disconnect between the students’ lived experiences and the official narrative presented by the university. This disconnect fueled further anger and distrust amongst the student population.
In the aftermath of the tragic incident, students issued a fervent call for action, urging both the state government and the local community to collaborate on developing a comprehensive security strategy for the entire Lapai Local Government Area. They emphasized the need for a police outpost within or near the campus, citing similar arrangements at other universities as a benchmark for enhancing student safety. The students’ demands reflect a growing awareness of the importance of proactive security measures in mitigating the risks they face in their daily lives. They argue that a visible police presence would serve as a deterrent to potential criminals and provide a sense of security to the university community.
The police, while confirming the robbery and the tragic death of Jafar, stated that the robbers had fled the scene by the time officers arrived. Tactical teams were subsequently dispatched to Lapai to restore order and initiate an investigation into the incident. The Commissioner of Police has vowed to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice. The police response, while acknowledging the gravity of the situation, did little to quell the students’ anxieties. The students’ frustration stems not just from this specific incident but from a perceived pattern of inadequate security measures that have left them feeling vulnerable and exposed to criminal elements. The tragic death of Jafar served as a catalyst, bringing these long-standing concerns to the forefront and demanding a comprehensive and effective response from both the university administration and law enforcement agencies.
