Government Shuts University Indefinitely After Deadly Security Breaches

The directive, which takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice, was issued by the Governor of Niger State, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago.

The Niger State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, following recent security breaches and the loss of lives within the university community.

The directive, which takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice, was issued by the Governor of Niger State, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago.

According to a press statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, the state government said the decision was taken out of “great concern” for the safety of students and staff, which it described as a top priority.

It added that it is “deeply saddened” by the recent incidents and is taking urgent steps to address the situation.

“The Government urges the university community to remain vigilant, calm, and cooperate with the authorities during this period of closure,” the statement read.

“The state government is working diligently to restore order, ensure the safety of all citizens, and maintain peace within the state.”

It further assured the public of ongoing efforts to investigate the breaches and prosecute those responsible.

“The Government assures the public that every effort is being taken to investigate the security breaches and bring perpetrators to justice,” it said.

“The government is resolute in its commitment to upholding law and order, as well as protecting the lives and property of all residents in Niger State.”

Meanwhile, SaharaReporters earlier reported that students of IBB University barricaded the Agaie–Lapai Road to protest the killing of their colleague, Abdulwahab Jafar, by suspected armed robbers.

Jafar, a 200-level Science Education (Chemistry) student, was attacked and killed in the early hours of Monday at his off-campus residence, Nda Kitabu Lodge, located opposite the university’s second gate.

SaharaReporters also reported that barely a day after Jafar’s murder, suspected armed robbers struck again at another off-campus student lodge of IBBUL.

SaharaReporters learnt that the latest incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday at Malagi Lodge in the State Low-Cost area.

According to students, the robbers, armed with a pistol and a cutlass, stole five iPhones — including an iPhone 14 Pro Max — and a black Haoju motorcycle.

Police later recovered the motorcycle along Agaie Road.