Nigerian Army Personnel Shoot Dead IBBU Final-Year Student During Protest In Niger State

A final-year student of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, Niger State, Ismail Ishaq Magaji, has reportedly been shot dead during a protest by soldiers linked to a land dispute in Wawa community, Borgu Local Government Area of the state.

Community sources who witnessed the incident and spoke to SaharaReporters said Magaji was shot during a confrontation involving youths and security personnel deployed to the community following the escalation of the land dispute.

The sources identified the victim as a final-year student of IBBU and said the incident occurred on Thursday.

According to the eyewitnesses, the dispute reportedly involved the victim’s cousin, Hajia Zainab, popularly known as “Zee Baby,” a female politician from Borgu.

The sources alleged that Zainab invited soldiers to the community after the land dispute escalated and youths began protesting.

One of the eyewitnesses told Sahara Reporters that Magaji was allegedly chased by a soldier before he was shot.

“The soldier chased him before shooting him. It was not like an accidental discharge. He was running and the soldier went after him,” the source said.

Another community source said the shooting occurred amid confusion as security personnel attempted to disperse protesting youths.

“There was a confrontation between the youths and the soldiers. Ismail was there when the shooting happened. He was hit by the bullet and people immediately rushed him to the hospital,” the source said.

SaharaReporters obtained a video showing the victim receiving medical attention at a hospital shortly after he was shot. The footage shows efforts by medical personnel and people around him to attend to him, but he subsequently died.

A community source who spoke about the aftermath said the death of the student triggered further anger among youths in the town.

“When the news got around that Ismail had died, the youths became very angry. They went to the house of Zee Baby and set it on fire. There was also destruction at the disputed land,” the source said.

The incident has reportedly heightened tension in Wawa, with residents expressing concern over possible further violence.

The Borgu Local Government Area Chairman, Hon. Muhammad Nasir Abdullahi, popularly known as Lambus, has reportedly declared an emergency in the town following the unrest.

Security personnel have also reportedly been deployed to the area to prevent further escalation and restore calm.