The Niger State government has issued a stern warning to students of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai, stating that those who participated in recent protests while wielding dangerous weapons could face legal consequences once a new penal code is enacted.
This statement follows a wave of unrest sparked by the tragic murder of Abdulwahab Jafar, a 200-level student, who was allegedly killed by phone snatchers at his off-campus residence on Monday.
During an emergency security meeting convened in response to the incident, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hamidu Mu’azu Jantabo, addressed the students’ actions during the protests.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order during demonstrations, noting that some protesters were seen carrying sticks and other hazardous objects. “Protests must be conducted peacefully and responsibly,” Jantabo stated.
“The presence of individuals with dangerous items is entirely unacceptable. Once the new penal code is signed into law, such behavior will be grounds for prosecution.”
Jantabo also expressed deep concern about the exorbitant and unsafe living conditions faced by students in Lapai. He criticized landlords for charging between ₦200,000 and ₦400,000 for accommodations that lack basic security features such as gates, adequate lighting, or dedicated security posts. “It is exploitative to subject students to such high rents for substandard and insecure lodges,” he remarked, calling for urgent legal reforms to enforce safety standards for off-campus housing.
He stressed that landlords must be held accountable for providing secure environments, as many students are compelled to reside in vulnerable areas due to limited options.
To address the growing security concerns, Jantabo outlined the government’s commitment to enhancing safety measures around the university and its surrounding communities.
He revealed plans to establish officially approved security checkpoints and deploy more than 200 trained local vigilantes to patrol high-risk areas. These initiatives aim to curb the rising incidents of crime and restore confidence among students and residents.
The commissioner urged students to channel their grief and frustrations through lawful means, reaffirming the government’s dedication to protecting lives and property.
In a show of solidarity with the university community, the IBBU management declared June 24 and 25, 2025, as lecture-free days to honor the memory of the slain student. This gesture comes amid heightened tensions, as reports emerged of another criminal incident in the area.
According to SaharaReporters, just a day after Jafar’s killing, suspected armed robbers targeted another off-campus student lodge, ‘Malagi Lodge,’ located in the State Low-Cost area near a local shop.
The robbery occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday, with the perpetrators, armed with a pistol and a cutlass, stealing five iPhones, including an iPhone 14 Pro Max, and a black Haoju motorcycle. While the motorcycle was later retrieved by police along Agaie Road, the incident has further underscored the urgency of addressing insecurity in Lapai.
Students recounted the distressing event, expressing frustration over the recurring attacks. One student noted, “This incident has left us shaken, coming so soon after another tragedy. The robbers stole valuable items, but the fear they’ve instilled is far worse.”
The Niger State police have intensified efforts to apprehend the culprits, but the back-to-back incidents have amplified calls for comprehensive security reforms to protect the university community.
0 comments:
Kindly comment here!