A 400-level student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, IBBU, Lapai, Niger State, has reportedly been killed by a stray bullet during a military operation in Wawa community, Borgu Local Government Area of the state.
The deceased, identified as Ismail Ishaq Magaji, a student of Public Administration, was said to have been caught in sporadic gunfire following a reported communal dispute over land in the community.
The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026, amid a military response to the clash in the area.
According to reports from the community, personnel attached to a military task force operating in New Bussa and surrounding areas opened fire during the confrontation, with one of the bullets allegedly hitting Magaji.
Magaji was said to have been at home after returning from the university following the indefinite strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, which affected academic activities at IBBU.
A coursemate, Yahaya Gambo Lawal, described the deceased as a promising final-year student who was looking forward to completing his studies.
According to him, “Ismail Ishaq Magaji was a promising 400-level student of Public Administration. He should have been in the classroom preparing for his examinations and his future in order to contribute to the development of society.”
He described Magaji as gentle, calm, accommodating and friendly, expressing concern over the circumstances surrounding his death.
“We will surely miss his gentility, calmness, gravity and simplicity. He was a very friendly person and very accommodating.
“It is very unfortunate and worrisome that he was killed by those paid to protect us in society,” Lawal lamented.
Magaji was reportedly expected to commence his final examinations around September 5 before the disruption of academic activities and the subsequent strike.
The circumstances surrounding his death could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
There was also no official statement from the Nigerian Army, the Niger State Government, IBBU management or the police on the reported killing as of press time.
400-level IBBU student reportedly killed by stray bullet during military operation