NOUN MOURNS BURSAR NASIRU MARAFA AFTER FATAL SHOOTING IN ZAMFARA

The National Open University of Nigeria has been thrown into mourning following the death of its University Bursar, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, who was reportedly shot by gunmen in Zamfara State. The incident occurred on Sunday, September 6, 2026, as Marafa was returning from Gusau, the state capital. The university confirmed his death in an official statement signed by its Registrar and Secretary to Council, Oladipo Ajayi, although it did not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

In the statement announcing his death, NOUN described Marafa as a dedicated and committed member of staff who served the institution meritoriously and held several positions of responsibility during his career. The university expressed deep sadness over what it described as his sudden and untimely passing, extending condolences to his family, colleagues and members of the university community. His death has sparked concern given the security challenges affecting parts of Zamfara State and other areas of the North-West.

Details surrounding the attack remain limited, as the university did not disclose the exact location where the shooting occurred or identify the attackers. It also did not establish whether the incident was connected to banditry, kidnapping or another form of criminal activity. Other reports, however, said the shooting happened along the Gusau-Marafa road while the university official was on his way back from Gusau.

Marafa’s death comes amid continuing security concerns in Zamfara, a state that has experienced repeated attacks, kidnappings and other violent crimes in recent years. The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of residents and travellers using major roads across the state. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances of the killing and work to establish the identity and motive of those responsible.

The university community has continued to mourn the senior administrator, with NOUN management, staff and students expressing grief over the loss of an officer described as committed to his duties. As condolences continue to reach his family and colleagues, attention is expected to turn to efforts by security agencies to investigate the killing and bring those responsible to justice.