The Niger State Government has assured students of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, of improved security following the killing of a 300-level student by suspected phone thieves.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hamidu Jantabo, gave the assurance at an emergency meeting with stakeholders in Lapai.
Jantabo expressed deep condolences to the university community and called for maturity, calm, and peaceful conduct in the face of grief.
“I want to appeal to the students to protest peacefully. When we arrived, we saw some individuals carrying sticks and dangerous objects. That is unacceptable.
“Once the new penal code is signed into law, such conduct could lead to prosecution,” Jantabo warned.
The commissioner said that discussions were ongoing to establish approved security checkpoints around the students’ community.
He also hinted at the possible deployment of more than 200 trained local vigilantes for community and campus patrols.
The commissioner called for stricter regulations on landlords, as well as amendments to the university law to ensure that students’ accommodations were built with basic security facilities.
“Students shouldn’t be paying ₦200,000 to ₦400,000 for lodges lacking gates, proper lighting, or security post.
“We must hold landlords accountable,” Jantabo said.
He, therefore, proposed a collaborative effort with the Niger State Urban Development Board to identify and take appropriate measures on unapproved lodges.
In his words,”I believe that 95 percent of these lodges lack official approval. NUDB can verify these structures, and where necessary, enforce closure to ensure that students are not living in unsafe environments.”
On infrastructure, Jantabo pledged immediate support to resolve power issues affecting the university by providing a new transformer and fixing the fault along the Minna-Lapai power line.
He also offered logistic assistance such as motorcycles and electronic logs to boost security patrol
Jantabo called for collaboration between the university’s internal security, the student body, and local vigilante groups, adding that previous attempts at establishing permanent security outposts led to conflicts.
He suggested coordinated patrols and the formation of students’ security committees as viable alternatives forthwith.
“Let us also enforce proper identification. Students should always carry their ID cards along.
“The university should consider recruiting additional vigilante personnel to cover off-campus hostels, as more than 80 percent of students reside outside the main campus,” the commissioner said.
Jantabo condemned the use of weapons during the students’ protests and appealed for restraint henceforth.
“We sympathise with you over the loss of your colleague, but we must respond with discipline and responsibility.
“Violent or intimidating protests will only overshadow your legitimate concerns. Please help us restore calm.
“The government is fully committed to working with the University and the students to deliver lasting security reforms,” Jantabo assured.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Mohammed Sulaiman, urged the students residing off-campus to be vigilant and make deliberate efforts to know their neighbours and surroundings.
According to Sulaiman, while the university continues to work with relevant security agencies and government authorities to strengthen safety around the institution, students must also take personal responsibility for their security.
“Security is a shared responsibility. Students must be alert, observant, and informed about their environment.
“Don’t live in isolation. Know the people living around you and report anything suspicious,” the vice chancellor advised.
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