The Niger State Police Command on Monday confirmed the death of Jafar, a 300-level student of Chemistry Education at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, who was murdered in his lodge during a suspected armed robbery attack.
Gunmen believed to be robbers invaded the students’ residence around the Ndakitabu area, directly opposite the university’s main gate along Lapai-Minna Road, at about 2:30 a.m. on June 23, 2025. The attackers stabbed the student in the neck before fleeing the scene.
Confirming the incident, the command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, told THE WHISTLER that the case is being treated as a homicide.
“Today being June 23, 2025, at about 3am, information was received that at about 2.30am, some hoodlums attacked a student lodge at Ndakitabu area via Lapai,” he said.
Abiodun said the Police operatives of Lapai Division rushed to the scene, but the “suspected robbers had escaped”.
“Unfortunately, one Jafar was stabbed on the neck and he was rushed to the general hospital in Lapai where he was later confirmed dead.
“As a result, some students barricaded the Agaie-Lapai road, protesting against this incident.
“However, tactical teams of the Command have been dispatched to Lapai to ensure that normalcy is restored, while investigation into the unfortunate incident has commenced as the Commissioner of Police directed that the perpetrators of this heinous crime must be arrested and brought to book.”
Following the killing, angry students staged protests and blocked major routes including the Lapai-Agaie and Lapai-Minna roads.
The protesters blamed the incident on alleged negligence and a lack of security measures from university authorities and relevant agencies.
Jafar’s killing came less than two weeks after the university dismissed growing concerns of insecurity raised by students, including claims of rape and robbery.
In a statement dated June 12, 2025, titled “Attack on IBBUL Students: Disclaimer and Notice,” the Deputy Registrar (Information), Alhaji Baba Akote, dismissed the reports as false and deliberately misleading.
“The management of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai wishes to categorically distant itself from the false and misleading information currently circulating on social media regarding alleged attacks and rape incidents involving students of the institution.
“The malicious narrative, sponsored by certain individuals with questionable intentions, appears to be aimed at causing panic, misinforming the public, and tarnishing the image of the university.
“Members of the general public and academic community are advised to disregard the unfounded information and refrain from spreading unverified or emotionally charged content, especially when it touches on sensitive issues such as security and student welfare.
“The university is actively collaborating with relevant security agencies to investigate and fish out those behind the mischievous publications to bring the perpetrators to book.
“IBB University, Lapai Management reaffirms its commitment to the safety and well-being of the students.
“Students are therefore, urged to always report security-related concerns to the University authority or the nearest police station for prompt action.
“Let it be known that the university does not condone any form of criminal activity and will continue to work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a conducive learning environment for its students.
“Members of the general public, especially users of social media, are encouraged to verify all information before sharing it on any medium and avoid sensationalism, as such actions only fuel unnecessary fear and confusion.
“Any person found to be directly or indirectly involved in any form of crime will be dealt with accordingly,” the statement read.
