The Niger State Government has issued a formal statement in response to the recent protest by students of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, following the tragic killing of a 200-level student, Abdulwahab Jafar, during a robbery at his off-campus residence.
While expressing deep condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirming its commitment to justice, the government emphasized that any acts of violence, vandalism, or disruption of public order during the protest will not be tolerated and could lead to criminal charges.
“The right to peaceful protest is enshrined in our democracy,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Tertiary Education. “However, when demonstrations escalate into road blockades, destruction of property, or threats to public safety, they cross the line into criminality.”
The protest, which erupted on Monday, saw students barricading the Agaie–Lapai highway and disrupting academic and commercial activities across Lapai town. Reports also indicated damage to university property and attacks on members of the media.
In response, the university was shut down indefinitely, and students were directed to vacate campus premises. The state government has since convened an emergency security meeting and announced a series of measures to improve safety, including the deployment of over 200 vigilantes, stricter hostel regulations, and the formation of student security committees.
The government reiterated its commitment to identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators of the robbery and murder, while also urging students to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperative with security agencies.
“We understand the grief and frustration of the student body,” the statement continued. “But we must all work together to ensure that justice is pursued through lawful means and that peace is maintained in our communities.”