Niger State Governor Orders Immediate Closure Of IBB University Over Security Concerns.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has ordered the immediate closure of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai until further notice. The directive, announced on Wednesday, follows a series of disturbing security breaches, including the tragic killing of a 300-level student, which has sparked widespread concern within the university community.
The announcement was made through a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, in Minna. According to Usman, the closure was prompted by recent incidents, notably the fatal stabbing of a student named Jafar, a 300-level Chemistry Education student, by suspected armed robbers on Monday, 23 June 2025. The attack occurred at an off-campus lodge in the Ndakitabu area, opposite the university’s main gate, at approximately 2:30 a.m. Jafar was rushed to Lapai General Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The incident triggered outrage among students, who staged protests by blocking the Agaie-Lapai and Lapai-Minna roads, decrying what they described as inadequate security measures by the university and local authorities. Reports indicate that students have faced recurring attacks, including robberies and alleged assaults, over the past six months, heightening fears for their safety.
In his statement, Governor Bago emphasised that the safety of students and staff remains a top priority. “We are deeply saddened by the recent incidents. The government is taking proactive steps to swiftly address the situation,” Usman conveyed on behalf of the governor. The state government has pledged to investigate the incidents thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice.
The Niger State Government has also outlined immediate measures to bolster security. These include deploying over 200 trained local vigilantes for community and campus patrols, establishing approved security checkpoints, and collaborating with the Niger State Urban Development Board to regulate off-campus accommodations. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hamidu Jantabo, urged students to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies, warning that violent protests could lead to prosecution under the amended penal code.
The Vice-Chancellor of IBBU, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, echoed the call for vigilance, urging students, particularly those living off-campus, to be proactive about their safety. “Security is a shared responsibility. Students must be alert, observant, and informed about their environment,” he said during an emergency meeting with stakeholders. Sulaiman also highlighted the university’s ongoing challenge of limited on-campus accommodation, which forces over 80% of students to reside in private lodges, exacerbating security risks.
The Niger State House of Assembly has also taken action, with a delegation led by Deputy Speaker Hon. Afiniki Eunice Dauda visiting Lapai to express condolences and pledge legislative support. The Assembly is exploring regulations to ensure safer off-campus accommodations and has formed a committee to investigate the root causes of the security breaches.
The closure has drawn mixed reactions. While some students and parents support the government’s swift response, others worry about the disruption to academic activities. “We understand the need for safety, but we hope the government acts quickly to resolve this so we can return to our studies,” said Aisha Mohammed, a second-year student.
The Niger State Police Command, led by SP Wasiu Abiodun, has confirmed the incident as a case of suspected armed robbery and culpable homicide. Tactical teams have been deployed to restore calm, and investigations are underway to apprehend the perpetrators.
Governor Bago’s administration has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring order and ensuring the safety of all citizens. The university will remain closed until the government deems it safe to reopen. In the meantime, students have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the authorities.
For further updates, the public is encouraged to follow official channels and avoid spreading unverified information, as the government works to address this pressing crisis.
