The Niger State Government has ordered the immediate and indefinite closure of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai. This decisive action, announced by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, on behalf of Governor Mohammed Bago, comes in the wake of severe security breaches and the tragic loss of a student's life within the university community, which subsequently led to widespread unrest and protests.

The closure was primarily triggered by the brutal killing of Abdulwahab Jafar, a 200-level Chemistry student, who was reportedly attacked during a suspected armed robbery at “Ndakitabu,” a private student lodge. This incident, occurring in the early hours of Monday, sent shockwaves through the university, prompting hundreds of students to take to the streets in anger. During their protests, students reportedly damaged school property and blocked roads, demanding justice and urgent government intervention to enhance campus security and student welfare.

Governor Mohammed Bago expressed deep sorrow over the incident and affirmed that investigations are actively underway to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice. He urged members of the university community to remain calm and cooperate fully with security agencies during this period. The state government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to upholding law and order, ensuring the protection of lives and property across Niger State, and has pledged to implement stronger security measures before the university reopens.

The unfortunate events have reignited concerns regarding inadequate student accommodation and persistent security challenges around off-campus lodges in Niger State. IBBU Lapai, a prominent public university, has faced mounting scrutiny over these issues in recent months, making the recent killing and subsequent closure a critical focal point in debates concerning infrastructure and student safety in Nigerian tertiary institutions.