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 State.
The statement was signed by the Chief Public Relations Officer and Head of Media Relations Unit, Mr. Olaniyi S. Jeariogbe, on behalf of the Deputy Registrar and Coordinator of the Centre for Information and Public Relations, LASU.
Otabor, a student of the Department of History and International Studies in the Faculty of Arts, reportedly died on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, after battling injuries he sustained during the attack.
In a statement issued by the university’s management, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss and extended condolences to the deceased’s family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones.
“The Management, staff, students, and the entire Lagos State University community received with profound sadness the news of the death of Otabor Boluwatife Joseph,” the statement said.
According to the university, the incident occurred off-campus on the night of Friday, May 29, 2026, when the student and some of his friends were attacked by armed robbers in the Iba area.
The institution disclosed that immediately it received reports of the incident, the Acting Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, provided support and escalated the matter to the Vice-Chancellor. The university also maintained close contact with medical personnel handling the student’s treatment and closely monitored his condition throughout his hospitalisation.
Following news of his death, LASU representatives engaged with the bereaved family, officials of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), and law enforcement authorities.
The university said it is actively cooperating with security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack and to bring those responsible to justice.
Describing the loss as painful and heartbreaking, the university prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and for strength for his family and loved ones to bear the irreparable loss.
