By Esther Onyegbula
The Lagos State University, LASU, community has been thrown into mourning following the death of one of its students, Otabor Boluwatife Joseph, who succumbed to injuries sustained during an armed robbery attack in the Iba area of Lagos.
Boluwatife, a student of the Department of History and International Studies, Faculty of Arts, reportedly sustained severe injuries after he and some of his friends were attacked by suspected armed robbers on the night of May 29, 2026, outside the university campus.
The university management, in a statement, described the incident as a tragic loss and expressed deep sorrow over the student’s death.
According to the statement, the victim was immediately rushed for medical attention after the attack, while the university activated emergency support measures upon receiving reports of the incident.
“The university community received with profound sadness the news of the passing of Otabor Boluwatife Joseph, a student of the Department of History and International Studies, Faculty of Arts, who succumbed to injuries sustained during a violent robbery attack in the Iba area on Friday, May 29, 2026,” the statement said.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, extended her condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased, assuring them that the institution shares in their grief.
“The Vice-Chancellor expresses her heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased student and assures them that the university stands with them in this difficult time,” the statement added.
LASU disclosed that the Acting Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, coordinated the institution’s response immediately after the incident. He reportedly kept the university management updated on the student’s condition and maintained close communication with the medical team handling his treatment.
Despite efforts by healthcare professionals to save his life, Boluwatife was said to have died on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
The university further revealed that following the student’s death, its representatives met with members of the bereaved family, officials of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, and law enforcement authorities as part of efforts to ensure justice for the deceased.
LASU management said it was actively collaborating with security agencies investigating the robbery attack and expressed confidence that those behind the crime would be apprehended 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.
Describing the deceased as a valued member of the university community, LASU urged staff, students and other stakeholders to support the bereaved family during the period of mourning.
The institution also prayed for the repose of his soul and called for calm as investigations continue.
The incident has renewed concerns over the security situation in communities surrounding tertiary institutions in Lagos, with stakeholders calling for stronger measures to safeguard students and residents from criminal attacks.
