Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, on Wednesday ordered the immediate closure of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBUL), Lapai, due to security concerns.

The decision comes in the wake of the recent security breaches and the tragic loss of lives within the university community.

The Secretary to the Niger State Government (SSG), Abubakar Usman, in a statement on Wednesday in Minna said the safety of all citizens, particularly students, remains a top priority for the government.

“We are deeply saddened by recent incidents. Government is taking proactive steps to swiftly address the situation,” Usman said.

He urged members of the university community to stay calm, remain vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies during this period.

Usman said the government was making efforts to restore order and ensure the peace and safety of all, while also assuring that the perpetrators of the security breaches would be identified and prosecuted accordingly.

The SSG reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding law and protecting lives and property across the state.

He appealed for calm and patience, saying further updates would be provided as the situation evolved.

Tension arose in the Lapai university community after a 200-level student of Science Education (Chemistry), Abdulwahab Jafar, was attacked and killed by suspected armed robbers in the early hours of Monday at his off-campus hostel, Nda Kitabu Lodge, located opposite the university’s second gate.

Following the incident, students of the university took to the streets on Monday and barricaded the Agaie–Lapai Road in protest over the killing of their fellow student. The students demanded an end to criminal attacks in the university community.

As the protest escalated, the university management reportedly ordered immediate shutdown of the institution while students were asked to vacate their hostels and await further instructions.