Shockwaves continue to ripple across Niger State following the murder of Abdulkareem, a 200-level student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, who was stabbed to death by suspected robbers in the early hours of June 23, 2025. The National Association of Niger State Students (NANISS) has joined the growing chorus of voices demanding justice and immediate reform in campus security.
Abdulkareem, the only son of his parents, was attacked around 2:30 a.m. at his off-campus lodge in Ndakikpabu. Despite being rushed to the General Hospital in Lapai by fellow students, he succumbed to his injuries—his neck reportedly slashed during the robbery. The tragic news has since ignited anger among students who blocked the Agaie–Lapai road in protest.
NANISS, in a statement released Monday evening, described the incident as a brutal and preventable tragedy. “The murder of Abdulkareem is an indictment on the safety protocols of IBBU and a wake-up call to the authorities. Our students are not safe, and we demand immediate and sustainable solutions,” said the NANISS National President, Comr. Auta Godwin.
The student union also commended the peaceful demonstration by their colleagues and called on the Niger State Government to launch a full investigation. “We will not accept half-measures. We are demanding accountability—from the school administration, from law enforcement, and from the state government. This blood cannot be in vain,” the statement added.
On its part, the Niger State Police Command said tactical units have been deployed to restore calm in the area and confirmed that an investigation is underway. Police spokesman SP Wasiu Abiodun revealed that preliminary intelligence suggests the attack was carried out by armed robbers who have since fled the scene.
Calls are growing for IBBU management to establish a permanent police outpost around student lodges, many of which are located far from any security presence. Students argue that while IBBU claims safety on-campus, its responsibility must extend to areas where its students reside.
As the campaign for justice intensifies under the hashtag #JusticeForAbdulkareem, many believe this tragic death could become a turning point in the conversation about student safety in Nigerian universities.
