HOW STRAY BULLET KILLED NIGER VARSITY 400-LEVEL STUDENT

A 400-level student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State, Isma’il Ishaq Magaji, has died after being hit by a stray bullet during a land dispute in his hometown.

Magaji, a student of Public Administration, was reportedly preparing for his final examinations before an academic strike at the university disrupted the examination schedule.

According to sources, the land dispute occurred in Wawa community, within the Borgu Kingdom of New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State.

The dispute allegedly resulted in sporadic shootings by a military task force, during which a stray bullet reportedly struck Magaji.

Magaji had remained within the university premises while preparing for his examinations. He was expected to begin his final examinations on September 5, 2026.

However, the Academic Staff Union of Universities at IBBUL subsequently embarked on an indefinite strike over unresolved financial issues, putting the examination process on hold.

After waiting for about two weeks for the strike to be called off, Magaji reportedly decided to return to his hometown.

One of his course mates, Ahmed Yakassai, described the decision as a tragic one, saying Magaji did not return to the university alive.

Yakassai said Magaji was regarded by his colleagues as a humble, calm and promising student.

The university’s Deputy Registrar, Information, Baba Akote, confirmed the student’s death in a statement.

Akote said Magaji lost his life after he was hit by a stray bullet during a land dispute in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

He quoted the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Mohammed Sulaiman, as expressing condolences to the deceased’s family, friends, classmates and associates.

The vice-chancellor described the incident as a distressing loss to the university community and appealed to the communities involved in the dispute to pursue dialogue and peaceful resolution.

Sulaiman also urged the parties to exercise restraint and prioritise peaceful coexistence to prevent further loss of lives and bloodshed.

A course mate, Yahaya Lawal, also mourned Magaji, describing him as a promising 400-level student who should have been preparing for his examinations and future career.

Lawal said the deceased was known for his calmness, simplicity, friendliness and accommodating nature.

He expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding Magaji’s death and prayed for the repose of his soul and strength for his family.

Meanwhile, the Niger State Police Command declined to comment categorically on the land dispute or the circumstances surrounding the stray bullet.

The command’s spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, however, stated that the police were not responsible for the stray bullet that killed Magaji.