Tragedy in Lapai: IBB University Student Abdulwahab Jafar Killed in Suspected Robbery Attack, Sparks Protest and Emir’s Intervention
In a deeply saddening and alarming incident that has shaken the university community in Niger State, a young undergraduate student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBUL), Lapai, was gruesomely murdered in what is suspected to be a robbery attack. The deceased, Abdulwahab Jafar, a promising 200-level student of Science Education (Chemistry), was killed in the early hours of Monday, June 23, 2025, at his off-campus residence in Nda Kitabu Lodge, located just opposite the university’s second gate.
According to multiple eyewitnesses and local sources, the assailants—believed to be armed robbers—invaded the residence at around 2:30 a.m., launching a violent attack on the unsuspecting student while he slept. During the attack, the armed men reportedly stabbed Jafar in the neck, leaving him severely injured and bleeding profusely.
Efforts were immediately made to save his life. Abdulwahab was rushed to the General Hospital in Lapai, but sadly, he was confirmed dead shortly after arrival due to the severity of the injuries he sustained.
Massive Outrage and Student Protest Over Insecurity
The heartbreaking death of Abdulwahab Jafar triggered massive outrage among students, who expressed their anger and fear over the growing insecurity in and around the university. Within hours of the incident, hundreds of students took to the streets in protest, demanding justice for their slain colleague and urgent intervention from the authorities to address the worsening security situation.
As part of the protest, students blocked the Agaie–Lapai Expressway, a major route in the region. The demonstration, which lasted for over an hour, caused serious traffic disruption and brought vehicular movement to a standstill. Students carried placards, chanted solidarity songs, and demanded immediate and tangible action from both the university management and security agencies.
They accused local authorities of neglecting their safety and failing to protect students from increasing cases of theft, assault, and now, murder. Some student leaders who spoke during the protest alleged that the attackers might have had inside knowledge of the lodge, raising further concerns about the presence of criminal elements within the host community.
Media Harassment Amid Protest
In a disturbing development during the protest, a journalist and founder of Lapai TV—a local media platform—was reportedly attacked by some agitated protesters. The reporter was said to be carrying out his journalistic duties when a group of angry youths descended on him, accusing him of bias and intrusion. Though he escaped with minor injuries, the incident highlights the volatile atmosphere and rising tensions following the murder.
University Community Mourns as Authorities Remain Silent
As of the time of this report, no official statement has been released by the Niger State Police Command or the management of IBB University regarding the incident. However, the university community has been thrown into mourning, with students and lecturers alike expressing their sorrow and calling for immediate intervention to prevent further violence and unrest.
Several students who spoke to NaijaRush lamented the deteriorating security conditions in Lapai, especially in off-campus areas where most students reside due to inadequate on-campus accommodation. One student said:
“We are not safe anymore. Today it’s Abdulwahab, tomorrow it could be any of us. The school needs to work with local authorities and ensure security patrols are constant, especially at night.”
Emir of Lapai Reacts: Cancels Market, Imposes Curfew
In a rare and symbolic move, the Emir of Lapai, His Royal Highness Alhaji Umar Bago Tafida III, has stepped in to calm tensions and show solidarity with the university community. During an emergency meeting held at his palace with the university management, student union executives, and other key stakeholders in the town, the Emir made several significant announcements.
First, he declared the cancellation of the weekly Lapai Tuesday Market, a popular commercial event in the town. This gesture, he explained, was done “to honour the deceased student and to acknowledge the grief of the university community.”
Secondly, in a bid to restore order and prevent further disturbances, the Emir announced a temporary curfew in the town of Lapai. The exact timing and duration of the curfew have not been publicly detailed, but sources say it is aimed at controlling movement during the night and discouraging criminal activities.
“Enough is enough,” the Emir was quoted as saying during the emergency meeting. “We cannot continue to allow criminality to thrive in our midst while innocent lives are lost. Anyone found working with these criminals will be dealt with according to the law.”
Security Concerns Mount in Lapai: What Needs to Change?
The murder of Abdulwahab Jafar has reignited conversations about the urgent need for enhanced security in Nigerian universities, especially in state institutions where infrastructure is often underfunded. Students living off-campus frequently face threats ranging from robbery to sexual assault, and many host communities lack adequate police presence.
Security experts who spoke with NaijaRush emphasized the need for a joint task force comprising local vigilantes, the police, and the university’s internal security team to monitor and patrol high-risk areas. Others recommended that the university invest in CCTV installations, perimeter lighting, and student ID monitoring to control movement into student lodges at night.
In addition, many stakeholders are urging the Niger State Government to take up the matter personally and work with the
Federal Ministry of Education to draft a security improvement framework for tertiary institutions across the state.Who Was Abdulwahab Jafar?
Abdulwahab Jafar was described by peers and lecturers as a bright and humble student, focused on his studies and passionate about his field—Science Education (Chemistry). He was said to be deeply involved in his department's academic and extracurricular activities and had a wide network of friends who admired his gentle demeanor and hard work.
His sudden death has not only robbed the university of a brilliant mind but also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers students face when educational institutions are not adequately protected.
Final Thoughts: Seeking Justice for Abdulwahab
As the dust begins to settle, what remains is a collective sense of grief, frustration, and determination among students, lecturers, and community leaders alike. The call for #JusticeForAbdulwahab is growing on social media, with many demanding that the assailants be found and brought to book.
There is hope that this tragic incident will serve as a wake-up call to relevant authorities—to act not only in response to this murder but to prevent such tragedies from ever happening again.
For now, the town of Lapai mourns a son, a student, and a symbol of what should never happen again in a place of learning.
