The Lagos State University (LASU) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of one of its students, Otabor Boluwatife Joseph, who succumbed to injuries sustained during a violent robbery attack in Lagos.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Coordinator of the university’s Centre for Information and Public Relations, Olaniyi Jeariogbe, the institution confirmed that Boluwatife died on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, several days after he was attacked by suspected armed robbers.
The deceased was a student of the Department of History and International Studies in the Faculty of Arts. Reports indicated that he and a group of friends were assaulted by armed robbers on the night of May 29, 2026, in the Iba area, located outside the university campus. He sustained severe injuries during the attack and was immediately taken for medical treatment.
Reacting to the tragic development, LASU described the incident as a painful loss to the university community. The institution stated that emergency support measures were activated immediately after it received reports of the attack.
According to the statement, the university closely monitored Boluwatife’s condition while he received treatment. The Acting Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, reportedly coordinated the institution’s response, providing regular updates to the management and maintaining communication with the medical team responsible for the student’s care.
Despite efforts by healthcare professionals to save his life, Boluwatife eventually passed away from his injuries.
The Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, extended heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, classmates and loved ones of the deceased. She assured them that the university shares in their grief and remains committed to supporting them during this difficult period.
Following the student’s death, representatives of the university met with members of the bereaved family, officials of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), and law enforcement authorities to discuss efforts aimed at securing justice for the victim.
LASU also disclosed that it is working closely with security agencies investigating the robbery attack and expressed confidence that those responsible for the crime would be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
The university described Boluwatife as a valued member of its academic community and urged students, staff and stakeholders to stand with his family in mourning. It also offered prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul.
The tragic incident has once again raised concerns about security around communities hosting tertiary institutions in Lagos, with many stakeholders calling for stronger security measures to protect students and residents from criminal attacks.
