The State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hamidu Mu’azu Jantabo, gave the warning during an emergency security meeting held after the murder of Abdulwahab Jafar, a 200-level student allegedly attacked by phone snatchers at his off-campus residence on Monday.

The Niger State governmental has said it could have prosecuted students of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, who carried dangerous weapons during recent protests, if the new penal code had already been signed into law.

The State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hamidu Mu’azu Jantabo, gave the warning during an emergency security meeting held after the murder of Abdulwahab Jafar, a 200-level student allegedly attacked by phone snatchers at his off-campus residence on Monday.

“I want to appeal to the students: protests must be peaceful. When we arrived, we saw some individuals carrying sticks and dangerous objects. 

“That is unacceptable. Once the new penal code is signed into law, such conduct could lead to prosecution,” Jantabo warned.

The commissioner also condemned the high cost of student accommodation in Lapai, describing it as exploitative and unsafe. “Students shouldn’t be paying ₦200,000 to ₦400,000 for lodges lacking gates, proper lighting, or a security post. We must hold landlords accountable,” he said.

He called for legal reforms to compel landlords to comply with safety standards, noting that many students were being forced to live in insecure environments despite paying exorbitant rents. 

Jantabo assured the students that the government would take steps to improve security around the university and its host communities. 

He said plans were underway to establish approved security checkpoints and deploy over 200 trained local vigilantes to patrol vulnerable areas. 

He urged students to express their grief in a lawful and responsible manner, adding that the government remained committed to safeguarding lives and property. 

Meanwhile, the university management has declared Tuesday, 24th and Wednesday, 25th June 2025 as lecture-free days in honour of the late student. 

SaharaReporters had earlier on Tuesday reported that just a day after the killing of a 200-level Chemistry student, suspected armed robbers have again struck another off-campus student lodge of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBUL), Lapai.

The latest robbery took place in the early hours of Tuesday at ‘Malagi Lodge’ in the State Low-Cost area. 

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

The motorcycle was later recovered by police along Agaie Road.

“Robbery occurred again today around 2:30am this morning at 'Malagi lodge’ here in the state locust adjacent to 'Mai wankin hula shop'.

“This sad incident has caused the loss of five iPhones including 14promax, they also absconded with Haoju bike (black color) which was recovered by the police men almost immediately along agaie road,” a student stated.