Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Lagos, Nigeria — Lagos State University (LASU) has issued a stern warning to students, staff and visitors against producing offensive or unauthorised skits on any of its campuses, following a tense security scare caused by a prank video that simulated a bandit attack and sent waves of fear through the university community.
The warning came after a video circulated on Wednesday showing individuals acting out a violent scenario on campus, complete with dramatic movements and dialogue that closely resembled a real-life armed attack. The footage, initially believed by many viewers to depict an actual security breach, triggered panic among students and staff, with reports of people fleeing lecture halls and hostels, calling loved ones, and alerting security personnel before the situation was clarified.
University authorities said the prank not only caused unnecessary fear but also diverted the attention of campus security and emergency responders at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with genuine security challenges nationwide. In a statement released by the institution, LASU described the incident as irresponsible, disruptive and unacceptable, stressing that the safety and psychological wellbeing of members of the university community must never be compromised for entertainment or online attention.
According to the university, preliminary investigations revealed that the video was produced without any form of approval from campus authorities and did not involve the university’s security unit or management. The school emphasised that any form of filming or content creation that involves simulations of violence, criminal activity or emergency situations must receive prior authorisation and be conducted under clearly controlled conditions to avoid misunderstanding or public alarm.
LASU management noted that the prank occurred against a backdrop of heightened national anxiety over insecurity, making such actions particularly dangerous. Officials said the resemblance of the skit to real incidents of banditry and violent attacks across parts of the country heightened fear and confusion, as viewers had no immediate way of distinguishing fiction from reality. The university warned that similar actions in the future could result in severe consequences, including disciplinary measures in line with institutional regulations and, where applicable, legal action under Nigerian law.
The incident sparked widespread discussion among students and on social media, with many condemning the prank as reckless and insensitive. Some students described the moments after the video surfaced as chaotic, recounting how rumours spread rapidly through messaging platforms and word of mouth before official clarification was issued. Others expressed concern that such pranks could provoke stampedes or medical emergencies, particularly among vulnerable individuals.
University officials acknowledged the distress caused and commended campus security and student leaders for helping to calm the situation once the prank was identified. They also urged students to verify information through official channels before reacting or sharing unconfirmed content, reminding the community that misinformation can escalate fear and cause harm even when no physical threat exists.
In its statement, LASU reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe, orderly and conducive learning environment. Management stressed that while creativity and expression are encouraged within the bounds of academic and cultural activities, they must not undermine public safety or the university’s reputation. The institution highlighted existing guidelines governing filming, photography and public gatherings on campus, urging all members of the community to familiarise themselves with and adhere to these rules.
The university further cautioned that the misuse of campus spaces for unauthorised content creation could jeopardise ongoing efforts to strengthen security and emergency preparedness. Officials explained that security agencies rely on clarity and trust to respond effectively to real threats, and false alarms or staged incidents can weaken response systems and desensitise people to genuine danger.
Education and security experts have also weighed in on the issue, noting that prank videos simulating violence are becoming increasingly common in the age of social media, driven by the pursuit of views and online popularity. They warn that such content can have serious psychological effects, especially in environments like schools where young people may already be anxious about safety. Experts argue that institutions must balance freedom of expression with firm enforcement of rules that protect collective wellbeing.
LASU’s warning adds to a growing number of similar advisories issued by educational institutions across Nigeria, as schools confront the unintended consequences of viral content creation on campuses. Administrators nationwide are grappling with how to encourage responsible use of digital platforms while discouraging actions that could cause panic or disrupt academic activities.
As investigations into the incident continue, the university has called on anyone involved in producing or circulating the prank video to cooperate fully with authorities. Management also appealed to parents and guardians to engage their wards on responsible behaviour, both online and offline, emphasising that actions taken for amusement can have far-reaching consequences.
Ultimately, LASU said the episode serves as a reminder that security is a shared responsibility and that the line between fiction and reality can blur quickly in a climate of fear. The institution reaffirmed that it will not tolerate activities that compromise safety, disrupt learning or erode trust within the university community, and pledged to take all necessary steps to prevent a recurrence.
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