The Lagos State University (LASU) community has been plunged into mourning following the death of one of its students, Otabor Joseph, who succumbed to injuries sustained during an armed robbery attack in the Iba area of the State.
Joseph, a student of the Department of History and International Studies, Faculty of Arts, with matriculation number 240341269, reportedly died after some armed robbers attacked him alongside his friends in an off-campus incident.
LASU disclosed that the tragic incident occurred on the night of Friday, May 29, 2026, when the deceased and some of his friends were reportedly attacked by armed robbers in the Iba area.
However, despite medical efforts to save his life, the student eventually succumbed to the injuries sustained during the attack, throwing members of the university community into grief.
Following the confirmation of his death, representatives of LASU reached out to the bereaved family and engaged with officials of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where he received treatment, as well as law enforcement authorities investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a statement issued on Thursday through its official social media platforms, the university expressed profound sadness over the loss.
The statement, signed by the Acting Coordinator of the Centre for Information and Public Relations, Olaniyi Jeariogbe, described Joseph’s death as a painful loss to the institution and extended condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones.
The university noted that it is actively collaborating with security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation into the attack and to facilitate the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, adding that the institution remains committed to supporting efforts aimed at securing justice for the deceased and his family.
“On behalf of the Management, staff, students, and the entire University community, the Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult and painful time.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this tragic loss,” the statement added.
The university prayed for strength and comfort for the bereaved family, describing Joseph’s death as an irreparable loss not only to his loved ones but also to the institution.
The tragic incident has once again raised concerns about security in communities surrounding tertiary institutions and the vulnerability of students residing and moving around off-campus environments.