The Niger State Government has pledged to strengthen security measures for students of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, following the tragic killing of a 300-level student by suspected phone snatchers at his off-campus residence.
Hamidu Mu’azu Jantabo, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, made the commitment during an emergency stakeholder meeting held in Lapai.
Attending the meeting were representatives from the state legislature, the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Lapai Local Government, the IBBU Alumni Association, the Students’ Union Government (SUG), NANISS, and various security agencies.
Jantabo expressed condolences to the university community and urged students to remain calm. He warned against violent protests, noting that those found with weapons could face prosecution under the amended penal code.
He said over 200 trained local vigilantes would be deployed to patrol student areas, and official checkpoints would be established to enhance security.
“Students are paying up to N400,000 for lodges that lack basic security,” he said, stressing the need for landlords to provide proper infrastructure.
The commissioner also disclosed plans to work with the Niger State Urban Development Board, NUDB, to inspect and shut down unapproved student hostels.
He added that motorcycles and surveillance tools would be provided to security personnel, while students would be required to carry ID cards for proper identification.
IBBU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, urged students to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.