A final-year geology student at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Joseph Agabaidu, was tragically stabbed to death on Saturday evening in an attempted phone robbery near the Yelwa market.
The 22-year-old, originally from Ankpa Local Government Area in Kogi State, was returning to his off-campus residence when assailants attacked him.
Despite efforts to rush him to medical care, Agabaidu succumbed to his injuries early Sunday morning. His death has sent shockwaves through the university community, reigniting concerns about student safety in the Bauchi area.
“This is a devastating loss for our university and a painful reminder of the dangers our students face,” said a university spokesperson. “Joseph’s passing deeply saddens us and offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”
Witnesses described the attack as swift and brutal. Agabaidu reportedly resisted the robbery attempt, leading to a struggle that ended in his fatal stabbing. The assailants fled the scene with his mobile phone, leaving behind a community in grief and a growing demand for action.
Read also Final-year ABU student arrested over murder of teenager in Bauchi
“This tragic event echoes a similar incident last December,” lamented a student leader, “when another Benue student lost his life in a phone-related struggle. We cannot keep losing our fellow students to senseless violence.”
Students and faculty are calling for increased security measures around the university and improved lighting near off-campus residences, particularly in areas like Yelwa market known for petty crime. Many voiced their outrage on social media, using the hashtag #JusticeForJoseph to demand a swift investigation and apprehension of the perpetrators.
“Our community should not have to endure such sorrow,” one student posted. “Proactive measures are crucial to prevent further tragedies.”
University officials are meeting with local authorities to discuss security concerns and implement a plan to address student safety. The Bauchi State Police have launched an investigation into the attack and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
As preparations are underway to return Agabaidu’s body to his family in Ankpa, the Bauchi university community grapples with the loss of a promising young man and the unsettling reality of violence that lurks close to home. The echoes of this tragedy serve as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and collective action to protect students and ensure their right to safety both on and off campus.
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