...Urges Calm, Constructive Engagement By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Niger State Government has assured students of Ibrahim Badamasi Babang...
...Urges Calm, Constructive Engagement
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Niger State Government has assured students of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBUL), Lapai, of its full commitment to their safety and welfare following the tragic killing of a 300-level student allegedly attacked by suspected phone snatchers in his off-campus residence.
This assurance was given by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Honourable Hamidu Mu’azu Jantabo, during an emergency security meeting convened in Lapai to address the rising concerns about insecurity in the university community.
The meeting drew together key stakeholders, including the Honourable Member representing Lapai Local Government, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, the Chairman of Lapai LGA, the IBBUL Alumni National President, the Students’ Union Government (SUG), the National Association of Niger State Students (NANISS), the University’s Director-General of Student Affairs, and senior security operatives.
In his address, Honourable Jantabo expressed condolences on behalf of the state government and urged the students to remain calm and responsible in their conduct.
“We sympathize with the university community over this tragic loss. However, protests must be peaceful. When we arrived, we saw individuals wielding dangerous weapons. That is unacceptable and could lead to prosecution once the new penal code is signed into law,” he warned.
Planned Security Measures
The Commissioner disclosed that the government was already working on establishing approved security checkpoints around student communities. He revealed plans to deploy over 200 trained local vigilantes for routine patrols of both campus and surrounding areas.
He also advocated for stricter regulations on private student accommodations, proposing amendments to the university’s enabling laws to ensure that all lodges meet minimum security requirements.
“Students should not be paying ₦200,000 to ₦400,000 for off-campus lodges that lack gates, lighting, or security presence. We must hold landlords accountable,” he said.
He further announced a planned collaboration with the Niger State Urban Development Board (NUDB) to identify and possibly shut down unapproved student lodges that do not meet safety standards.
Infrastructure and Logistics Support
On infrastructure, Honourable Jantabo promised immediate support to resolve the power supply issues affecting the university, including the provision of a new transformer and the repair of faults along the Minna-Lapai power line.
He also pledged to provide motorcycles and electronic logbooks to enhance local security patrol operations.
Collaboration and Student Involvement
The Commissioner stressed the need for improved collaboration between the University’s internal security, student leaders, and local vigilante groups. He proposed the formation of student security committees and emphasized the importance of students carrying their ID cards at all times.
He also advised the University to recruit additional security personnel to oversee off-campus hostels, given that over 80% of students live outside the main campus.
“We must avoid violence. Responding to tragedy with maturity and discipline will yield more meaningful reforms,” he appealed.
University’s Position
The Vice Chancellor of IBBUL, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, echoed the Commissioner’s concerns, urging students to take personal responsibility for their safety.
“Security is a shared responsibility. Students must be vigilant, alert, and informed about their surroundings. Know your neighbors, and report anything suspicious,” he advised.
Professor Hadi assured students that the university management was working closely with security agencies and government authorities to address the security gaps.
Traditional Institutions Join Dialogue
In a related development, Professor Hadi also held an emergency security meeting with the Emir of Lapai, HRH Engr. Umar Bago III, and members of the Lapai Emirate Council, seeking traditional and community-based support in tackling insecurity.
The Vice Chancellor commended the Emirate for its continued cooperation and emphasized the vital role of traditional leaders in promoting peace and vigilance within the community.
He described the killing of the student as a tragedy that had shaken the entire university and called for a united front to prevent future occurrences.
A Collective Commitment
The meetings concluded with a joint resolution by government officials, university authorities, traditional leaders, student representatives, and security agencies to implement urgent and sustainable actions aimed at restoring peace, trust, and stability in Lapai and its environs.
Prayers were offered for the repose of the deceased student’s soul and for Allah (S.W.T.) to grant strength to the bereaved family during this painful period.
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