Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A 23‑year‑old final‑year student of the Lagos State University (LASU), Otabor Boluwatife Joseph (Matriculation No. 240341269), has died from severe injuries sustained during an armed robbery attack in the Iba area of Lagos, plunging the university community into mourning and raising fresh concerns over the safety of students living off campus. The tragic incident occurred off campus on the night of Friday, 29 May 2026, when the deceased and some of his friends were attacked by suspected armed robbers. Despite immediate medical attention and emergency support activated by the university, Otabor succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where he had been receiving treatment.
The university confirmed the death in a press statement issued on Thursday, 4 June 2026, signed by the Acting Coordinator of the Centre for Information and Public Relations, Mr Olaniyi S. Jeariogbe. “The Management of Lagos State University received with profound sadness the news of the death of one of its students, Otabor Boluwatife Joseph, of the Department of History and International Studies, Faculty of Arts, following injuries sustained during an armed robbery attack in the Iba area of Lagos,” the statement read. According to the university, upon receiving reports of the incident, the Acting Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, immediately provided support, escalated the matter to the Vice‑Chancellor, and maintained close contact with the medical personnel involved in the student’s treatment. The university monitored his condition throughout his hospitalisation and, after his death, sent representatives to meet with his family, hospital officials and law enforcement authorities.
The Vice‑Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji‑Bello, extended heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased. “On behalf of the Management, staff, students, and the entire University community, the Vice‑Chancellor extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult and painful time,” the statement added. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this tragic loss.” The university also confirmed that it is actively cooperating with security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack and that those responsible are brought to justice.
The tragedy has renewed concerns over the security situation in the Iba‑Ojo axis, a corridor where students have repeatedly reported cases of armed robbery, phone snatching and night‑time attacks along routes linking hostels, bus stops and adjoining communities. The incident is the latest in a series of violent crimes affecting LASU students living off campus, many of whom have called on the state government and security agencies to deploy more patrol units and improve lighting along vulnerable roads. While the Lagos State Police Command has yet to issue an official update on the investigation, the university expressed confidence that the perpetrators would be identified and prosecuted. “We are working closely with relevant security agencies in the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack and remain confident that the perpetrators will be identified and brought to justice,” the statement noted.
The death of Otabor Boluwatife Joseph has cast a pall over the LASU community, with students, staff and alumni paying tribute to a young man described as a dedicated and promising student. As the university community mourns, the family of the deceased awaits answers, and the police investigation continues, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of students who, in pursuit of education, must navigate unsafe neighbourhoods that turn routine walks into life‑threatening hazards.
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