LASU Student Dies Days After Armed Robbery Attack in Lagos

A student of Lagos State University ( LASU ), Joseph Otabor, has died after succumbing to injuries he sustained during an armed robbery attack in the Iba area of Lagos.

Otabor, a student in the Department of History and International Studies, was reportedly attacked alongside several friends outside the university campus on the night of Friday, 29 May. He was rushed to hospital for treatment but sadly passed away on Tuesday.

Confirming the incident in a statement issued on Thursday, the university’s spokesperson, Olaniyi Jeariogbe, said the institution received news of the student’s death with profound sadness.

According to the statement, the attack occurred off campus when armed robbers allegedly accosted Otabor and his companions.

“Upon receiving reports of the incident, the University, through the Acting Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, immediately provided support, escalated the matter to the Vice-Chancellor, and maintained contact with relevant medical personnel involved in his treatment,” the statement said.

The university noted that it closely monitored Otabor’s condition throughout his hospitalisation and remained in contact with healthcare professionals until his eventual death.

Beyond institutional support, LASU said its representatives had engaged with the deceased’s family, officials of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, and law enforcement authorities as efforts continue to uncover the circumstances surrounding the attack.

“The University is actively cooperating with security agencies to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the attack are thoroughly investigated and those responsible are brought to justice,” the statement added.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, extended condolences to the bereaved family and the wider university community.

“On behalf of the Management, staff, students and the entire University community, the Vice-Chancellor extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult and painful time,” the statement read.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this tragic loss.”

Otabor’s death has sparked renewed concern among students and residents over security challenges in communities surrounding tertiary institutions, where many young people live and socialise outside campus grounds.

The tragedy comes amid growing fears over a spate of violent attacks across parts of South-West Nigeria.

On Wednesday, gunmen reportedly abducted Olaide John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, along with her twin sons in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The same day, Asimiyu Ajibola, Chairman of the Accord Party in Osun State, was shot by gunmen in Osogbo.

Earlier in the week, the Oyo State Police Command disclosed that armed men attacked the Nigeria Immigration Service passport office in Ogbomoso, carting away a rifle, ammunition and other valuables.