Fear grips LASU students as colleague dies after robbery attack in Lagos

An 200-level student of Lagos State University (LASU), Boluwatife Otabor, has been confirmed dead after sustaining gunshot injuries during an armed robbery attack in the Iba area of Lagos.

Otabor, a student of History and International Studies, who was robbed and shot on May 29, died on June 2, 2026, while receiving treatment at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

Speaking on the incident on Thursday, some students expressed concerns over insecurity around the institution.

One of them said the late student was on his way to church on May 29 when he was attacked and shot by armed robbers at First Gate Bus Stop on the LASU-Igando Road.

He said the victim was initially rushed to the General Hospital, Igando, before being transferred to LASUTH for advanced treatment.

He said students were devastated by the student’s death, and called on the university management to tackle insecurity around the campus.

He urged the management to strengthen collaboration with the police, neighbourhood security outfits and other security agencies to ensure regular patrols around student-populated areas.

He also recommended the establishment of emergency response channels, installation of streetlights, closed-circuit television cameras and security checkpoints at strategic locations.

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Meanwhile, in a statement posted on its X account, LASU management described Otabor’s death as devastating, and sympathised with his family, friends, and colleagues.

LASU, in a statement issued by the Acting Coordinator of Centre for Information and Public Relations, Olaniyi Jeariogbe, said the university received the news of the student’s death with sadness.

Jeariogbe stated: “The unfortunate incident occurred off campus on the night of Friday, May 29, 2026, when the deceased and his friends were attacked by armed robbers in the Iba area of Lagos.

“Upon receiving reports of the incident, the university, through the Acting Dean, Students Affairs, Dr Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, immediately provided support, escalated the matter to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello.

“The university management also maintained contact with relevant medical personnel involved in his treatment.”

Jeariogbe said LASU management engaged with the deceased’s family, officials of LASUTH, and law enforcement agencies following the student’s death.

He added that the university has been cooperating with security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the death are brought to justice.