Stray Bullet Kills 400-Level Student During Land Dispute in Niger

A 400-level student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State, Isma’il Ishaq Magaji, has died after reportedly being struck by a stray bullet during a land dispute in his hometown. The university confirmed Magaji’s death in a statement issued by its Deputy Registrar, Information, Baba Akote, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria. According to the university, the incident occurred in Wawa, located in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Magaji was a student of the Department of Public Administration at the university and was in his final year of undergraduate studies. The circumstances surrounding the incident were linked to a dispute over land in the community. The university said the student was caught up in the incident and was hit by a stray bullet. No further details about the parties involved in the land dispute or the circumstances leading to the shooting were immediately provided in the report.

The death has prompted mourning within the university community, with Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammed Sulaiman extending condolences to Magaji’s family, friends, classmates and associates. The Vice-Chancellor described the incident as a painful loss to the institution and prayed for the deceased while offering support to those affected by the tragedy.

Professor Sulaiman also appealed to the communities involved in the land dispute to pursue dialogue and peaceful means of resolving their differences. He urged those involved to exercise restraint and prioritise peaceful coexistence, stressing the importance of preventing further loss of life arising from disputes within communities. The university’s appeal comes as the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under attention.

As of the time of the report, there was no immediate confirmation from the police regarding the incident. The available information therefore remains based primarily on the university’s account of the student’s death. Further details about the land dispute, the circumstances surrounding the shooting and any possible investigation may emerge as authorities establish what happened in Wawa.