In the early hours of Monday, 23rd June 2025, tragedy struck the student community of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBB) Lapai, Niger State, as armed robbers invaded a student lodge, leaving one student dead and others traumatized.
According to reports from eyewitnesses and local residents, the armed robbers stormed the lodge under the cover of darkness. Students were startled from their sleep as the robbers forcefully broke into rooms, demanding valuables such as laptops, mobile phones, and cash. In the chaos that ensued, one student tragically lost their life after sustaining fatal injuries during the robbery.
This heart-wrenching incident has sparked outrage and fear within the Lapai student community and the town at large. Immediately after news of the student’s death spread, hundreds of students and concerned residents took to the streets in protest. They blocked major roads within Lapai, calling for swift action from security agencies and the state government to protect students and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Many students expressed their frustration over the rising insecurity around student hostels and lodges off-campus. It is not the first time students have fallen victim to violent robberies and assaults in the area, but the death of a student has heightened the urgency for decisive action.
One student, who preferred to remain anonymous, lamented:
“We are no longer safe in our lodges. We came here to study and build our future, but now our lives are at risk every day. How many more students must die before something is done?”
The tragic loss of this promising student has drawn reactions from the university community, local leaders, and the general public. Many are calling on the Niger State Government, local law enforcement, and the university management to strengthen security measures around student accommodation areas and ensure that justice is served swiftly.
What Needs to Be Done:
-
Increased Security Patrols: There is an urgent need for increased police and vigilante patrols around off-campus student lodges, especially during late hours.
-
Installation of Street Lights: Many student areas remain poorly lit at night, providing cover for criminals. Proper street lighting can deter crime significantly.
-
Community Vigilance: Students are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security authorities immediately.
-
Government Intervention: Stakeholders urge the state government to deploy more security personnel to the area and ensure that culprits are apprehended and prosecuted.
Justice Must Be Served:
The student body, alongside civil society groups, continues to demand that the armed robbers who carried out this heinous act be caught and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Many have taken to social media, sharing the hashtags #JusticeForLapaiStudent and #SecureOurHostels, to amplify their voices and put pressure on relevant authorities to act fast.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the deceased student. It is our hope that this painful incident will serve as a wake-up call to tackle the rising insecurity that threatens the lives and future of our youth.
May the soul of the departed rest in perfect peace.
Justice must be served. ️⚖️