Students of Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, have expressed growing concerns over insecurity around the institution following the death of a student who was shot during an armed robbery attack.
The students, who spoke with our correspondence on Thursday on condition of anonymity, said fear had gripped many off-campus residents due to the increasing incidents of robbery in communities surrounding the university.
Our correspondence reports that the deceased, Mr Boluwatife Otabor, a 200-level student of History and International Studies, sustained gunshot injuries during an armed robbery attack and later died while receiving treatment.
According to reports, Otabor was attacked and shot on May 29 and succumbed to his injuries on June 2 at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
One of the students said the deceased was on his way to church when he was attacked by armed robbers at First Gate Bus Stop along the LASU-Igando Road.
He explained that the victim was initially taken to the General Hospital, Igando, before being transferred to LASUTH for specialised medical care.
“On Saturday, many of us were at the hospital monitoring his condition and hoping for his recovery,” the student said.
He described the student community as devastated by the loss and called on the university management to take urgent steps to address security challenges around the campus environment.
The student urged the management to strengthen collaboration with the police, neighbourhood security groups and other relevant agencies to ensure regular patrols in areas populated by students.
He also recommended the installation of streetlights, closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, security checkpoints and dedicated emergency response channels to improve safety around the institution.
Meanwhile, LASU management has expressed sadness over the student’s death and extended condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
In a statement posted on the university’s official X account, the institution described the incident as tragic and deeply unfortunate.
The statement, signed by the Acting Coordinator of the Centre for Information and Public Relations, Mr Olaniyi Jeariogbe, noted that the university received news of the student’s death with profound sadness.
“The unfortunate incident occurred off-campus on the night of May 29, 2026, when the deceased and his friends were attacked by armed robbers in the Iba area of Lagos,” the statement said.
According to the university, immediate support was provided through the Acting Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, who escalated the matter to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello.
The management added that it maintained constant communication with medical personnel involved in the student’s treatment and continued to monitor his condition until his death.
LASU further disclosed that it had engaged with the deceased’s family, officials of LASUTH and law enforcement agencies following the incident.
The university assured students and the public that it was cooperating fully with security agencies to ensure those responsible for the attack are identified, arrested and prosecuted.
The institution reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and welfare of students and pledged continued support for efforts aimed at improving security within and around the university community.
