A final-year student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, Niger State, Ismail Ishaq Magaji, has reportedly been shot dead during a protest linked to a land dispute in Wawa community, Borgu Local Government Area.
Community sources who spoke to SaharaReporters alleged that Magaji was shot on Thursday during a confrontation between protesting youths and security personnel deployed to the community following the escalation of the dispute.
The sources identified Magaji as a final-year student of IBBU and alleged that the land dispute involved his cousin, Hajia Zainab, popularly known as “Zee Baby,” a politician from Borgu.
According to the sources, Zainab reportedly invited soldiers to the community after tensions surrounding the land dispute escalated and youths began protesting.
An eyewitness alleged that a soldier pursued Magaji before shooting him, insisting that the incident did not appear to be accidental.
Another community source said the shooting occurred amid a confrontation as security personnel attempted to disperse the protesters. Magaji was reportedly taken to a hospital for treatment but later died.
SaharaReporters said it obtained a video showing the student receiving medical attention shortly after the incident.
The death reportedly triggered further unrest in the community, with sources alleging that angry youths set fire to Zainab’s residence and damaged property around the disputed land.
The incident has heightened tension in Wawa, with residents expressing concern over possible further violence.
The Chairman of Borgu Local Government Area, Muhammad Nasir Abdullahi, popularly known as Lambus, was also reported to have declared an emergency in the community following the unrest.
Security personnel have reportedly been deployed to the area to prevent further escalation and restore calm.
