By Henry Oladele
The death of Boluwatife Otabor, a second-year student of Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, from gunshot injuries sustained during an armed robbery attack on his off-campus apartment has sparked fears and apprehension among his colleagues.
Otabor, who was reportedly robbed and shot on May 29, died on June 2 while receiving treatment at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
In a statement posted on its official X handle, LASU management described Otabor’s death as devastating, and sympathised with his family, friends and colleagues.
The statement was signed by Mr Olaniyi Jeariogbe, Acting Coordinator of Centre for Information and Public Relations, LASU.
The management said the university received the news of the student’s death with much sadness.
“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,” it said.
The university said it had engaged with the deceased’s family, officials of LASUTH and law enforcement authorities following the student’s death.
LASU management added that it was cooperating with security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the death would be brought to justice.
However, some students of LASU have expressed concerns over insecurity around the institution following the death of the of History and International Studies student.
The students, who spoke on Thursday, said that fear had gripped many off-campus students of LASU due to robberies around the institution.
While pleading anonymity, the students said they now feel unsafe moving between their hostels and the campus, particularly in the early mornings and late evenings.
One of them said that 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.
“On Saturday, we were at the hospital monitoring his condition,” he said.
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.
(NAN)
HOB/IGO
