In response to the growing wave of insecurity in Lapai, especially student lodges, the host community of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, led by the Etsy Lapai, His Royal Highness, Engineer, Umaru Bago Tafida III, convene a high-level security meeting.
The meeting which was held at the palace of the Etsu Lapai, brought together key stakeholders, including University Management, Government Officials, Security Agents, and Community leaders, to examine the root causes of the crisis and proffer lasting solutions.
Chairman of the meeting, the Etsu Lapai called for calm and urged stakeholders to embrace tolerance and proactive community engagement to restore peace and strengthen the long-standing relationship between the University and its host community.
He emphasized the importance of mutual respect and coexistence, given the diverse sociocultural backgrounds of the students, who mostly reside off-campus.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the IBBUL Governing Council, Professor Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah described the moment as deeply tragic.
He stressed the need for an urgent review of Town and Gown relationship and lamented the vulnerability of students living off-campus due to poor accommodation standards and minimal security.
Drawing from his decades of experience in University governance, he called for a more structured engagement between the University and Lapai community to ensure mutual understanding and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, echoed these concerns and outlined several strategic interventions, disclosing that over eighty percent of students live off-campus, where security is poor and infrastructure is substandard.
Professor Hadi stressed the need to enforce minimum security standards in student lodges, including perimeter fencing, gate access, security personnel, and surveillance.
He advocated for stronger collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force, for additional personnel, a police outpost within the campus, and provision of essential tools to enhance rapid response.
On infrastructure, the Vice Chancellor noted the University’s financial situation, revealing that the low tuition fee of ₦46,000 per student had significantly hampered internal revenue generation, forcing the school to ration electricity and reduce generator hours.
Professor Hadi appreciated TETFund’s support in conducting an energy audit and expressed hope that the University would soon benefit from alternative power solutions.
On the issue of connectivity, the Vice Chancellor disclosed that poor internet access had exposed students to danger, as many leave their lodges to search for network coverage, saying plans are underway with the Niger State Government to install a telecommunications mast near the University to address this challenge.
The Vice Chancellor further emphasized the need for short-term and long-term interventions, including the immediate regulation of private lodges and the verification of student residency, to improve safety and restore normalcy.
In his remarks, Niger State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Honorable Hamidu Mu’azu Jantabo, stressed the need for collective introspection and honest dialogue.
He expressed disappointment over previous failed efforts and noted that the decision to shut down the University, though regrettable was aimed at preventing further escalation.
The Commissioner blamed the unchecked lifestyle of some off-campus students as contributors to the tension and urged parents, landlords, and community leaders to be more vigilant. He called for elders and the University community’s involvement in future decisions and warned against reliance on social media for sensitive security updates.
Responding, Niger State Commissioner of Police, A.A Elleman
assured stakeholders of the police force’s commitment to supporting all efforts aimed at restoring and maintaining peace and security in Lapai and the University.
Rounding up the meeting, the Etsu Lapai, emphasized the imperative of unity, empathy, and prompt collective action in addressing the ongoing security challenges.
He stated, “These students are our guests, and it is our responsibility to treat them as our own children. Let us build bridges of understanding, not walls of mistrust.”
The Royal Father further called for the institutional support and sustainable funding of vigilante operations specifically assigned to student-populated areas, and appealed to the University Management, the Lapai Local Government Council, and the Niger State Government to collaborate in ensuring that these community-based security operatives are well-equipped, trained, and motivated.
Personalities in attendance included, Commission ers for Tertiary Education, Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Homeland Security, Police Force, and the Permanent Secretary, Tertiary Education and the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of IBB University Council.
Others were, member representing Lapai Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Chairman, Lapai Local Government, Director General, Student Affairs, National President, IBBUL Alumni, the S.U.G official s, key members of Lapai Emirate Council and other Stakeholders respectively.
