A 400-level student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, Niger State, Ismail Ishaq Magaji, has reportedly been killed by a stray bullet during a land dispute in his hometown of Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area of the state.
Magaji, a student of Public Administration, was preparing for his final examinations when the incident occurred.
According to reports, the deceased had remained on campus while awaiting the resolution of an indefinite strike declared by the university’s Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chapter over unresolved financial issues. His examinations were initially scheduled to begin on September 5, 2026.
After waiting for about two weeks for the industrial action to be called off, Magaji reportedly returned to Wawa.
His colleague, Ahmed Yakassai, described the decision as a tragic one, saying the student never returned to the university alive.
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Reports indicate that sporadic shooting allegedly occurred during a dispute over a piece of land in the Wawa community, with Magaji reportedly struck by a stray bullet fired during the confrontation.
Confirming the death, IBBU Deputy Registrar, Information, Baba Akote, said Magaji “lost his life after he was hit by a stray bullet during a land dispute in his hometown, Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.”
The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Sulaiman, described the incident as a painful loss to the institution and extended condolences to Magaji’s family, friends, classmates and associates.
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He also appealed to communities involved in the dispute to embrace dialogue and restraint to prevent further loss of lives.
Magaji’s course mate, Yahaya Lawal, described him as a calm, friendly and accommodating student who had been looking forward to completing his studies and contributing to society.
Meanwhile, the Niger State Police Command has distanced itself from the shooting. Police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, declined to comment categorically on the land dispute but maintained that the police did not fire the bullet that killed Magaji.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain a subject of concern as calls grow for peaceful resolution of the land dispute and clarification of how the fatal shooting occurred.
