Entrance gate of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi
By ARMSTRONG ALLAHMAGANI, Bauchi –
It was a sad day on Saturday for Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, as one of its students, Joseph Obiaje Agabaidu, a 500-level Geology student was stabbed to death by robbers, who tried to steal his phone.
The final year student hails from Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State but based in Benue State and is said to be the eldest among four children of his family, who school at ATBU, Bauchi.
It was learnt that he was returning to his lodge situated around the Yelwan Tudu market at about 7.00pm on Saturday, when he was attacked.
The source said: “Agabaidu, a final year Geology student based in Otukpo LGA but an indigene of Ankpa LGA of Kogi State, was fatally stabbed around 7pm on Saturday as assailants attempted to forcefully take his phone.
“Despite immediate efforts to get him medical help, Agabaidu succumbed to his injuries and passed away yesterday (Sunday) morning.
“This tragic event echoes a similar incident last December when another Benue student lost his life in a phone-related struggle.”
“In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, we implore the school management, the police, and the Bauchi State government to prioritize and enhance the security of students within the state.
“Our community should not have to endure such sorrow, and proactive measures are crucial to prevent further tragedies. May the soul of Agabaidu Obiaje Joseph rest in peace.”
“Mr. Joseph is an older brother to three other siblings of his, all schooling here in ATBU. The VP SUG, two other staff of the university and his siblings will be conveying his corpse back home.”
Another student said: “Students are getting set for a peaceful protest this morning. It is to express our pain over the unfortunate incident that happened to our fellow student. This is not the first nor second time this would be happening.
“I feel very pained about this incident. I also have three younger siblings here in the school. Imagine how I’ll feel if such should happen to any of them.
“I call on the management, the state government and security agencies to rise up to this incident and provide more adequate security to all students who left their parents’ houses and have come to school to learn.”
The Director, Information and Public Relations, Zailani Bappa, could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, a notice of the planned protest was seen by NATIONAL ACCORD indicated that students were being mobilized for the protest at the ATBU Gate of the Yelwa Campus.
According to the statement: “There will be a massive protest by ATBU students for the failure of the government and school management to provide a good security atmosphere for students off-campus.
“You are advised to come out in numbers, 7am prompt at Yelwa gate to protest against misplaced priorities. We are not encouraging violence but we are looking out for our fellow Balewites. It might be you next if we don’t collectively fight these issues. No form of violence please.”
