IBB varsity shut in Niger over insecurity; lawmaker slams deadly bandit attack on communities in Mariga LGA

Niger State Government has shut down the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) University, Lapai over recent attacks of students by armed robbers.

A statement by the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Abubakar Usman on Wednesday night explained the decision comes in light of recent security breaches and the unfortunate loss of lives within the university community.

Expressing sadness and concern over the recent incidents, the government urged the university community to remain vigilant, calm, and cooperate with the authorities during the period of closure.

“The safety and security of all citizens, including the students, remain a top priority for the government. The state government is working diligently to restore order, ensure the safety of all citizens, and maintain peace within the state.

“The government promised to investigate into the security breaches and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice while reiterating its commitment to upholding law and order, as well as protecting the lives and property of all residents in Niger State,” he said.

Meanwhile the lawmaker representing Niger North Senatorial District, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, has strongly condemned the deadly bandit attack on communities in Mariga local government area and other communities in Niger State.

Senator Bello who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs described the assailants as “depraved enemies of peace.”

The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in the Gulbin Boka and Mangoro areas of Bangi, claimed the lives of 17 gallant Nigerian Army personnel and innocent civilians.

Bello, in a solemn statement issued by his media aide, Muawiyah Yusuf, expressed deep outrage and grief over what he called a senseless and cowardly assault.

“These attackers are nothing but depraved enemies of peace, lawless elements devoid of any ideology, direction, or conscience,” he said.

“Their actions are not only cowardly but a calculated attempt to destabilise our communities, erode our collective progress, and plunge innocent citizens into fear and poverty.”

Senator Bello who was also the former governor of Niger State paid glowing tributes to the soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty, describing them as national heroes who gave their lives to safeguard the peace and sovereignty of Nigeria.

“Our gallant soldiers stood fiercely with unmatched bravery, sacrificing their lives for our safety,” he said. “Their deaths are not in vain. They are national heroes whose names will be etched in the conscience of a grateful nation.”

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.

The Senator also commiserated with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede; and the entire military leadership.

“I reaffirm my unflinching support for the Nigerian Armed Forces in their ongoing fight against terror,” the Senator stated, adding that the sacrifices of the military must be matched by increased collaboration between government, communities, and security agencies.

In addition to mourning the fallen troops, Senator Sani Bello expressed profound sorrow over the loss of civilians in the attack, including the Kofa of Hakimin Gulbin Boka, an motorcycle – Okada rider, and a trader from Rijau.

“Their tragic deaths remind us of the urgent need to collectively rise against the reign of terror and lawlessness that continues to afflict our rural communities,” he said.

The Senator reiterated his commitment to ensuring improved security measures and renewed support for the military’s counter-insurgency operations across Niger State and beyond.

“The people of Mariga and Niger North will not be cowed. We stand united in grief, and stronger in our resolve to overcome,” he said.