The Bauchi State Police Command has provided details surrounding the tragic killing of a 500-level student at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), revealing that the incident occurred while the student was attempting to retrieve his girlfriend’s handbag from assailants.
Following the stabbing incident, which led to the death of the student, identified as Agbaidu Joseph, a peaceful demonstration by hundreds of students ensued on Monday to protest the killing. The situation, however, escalated into a breakdown of law and order, prompting the management of ATBU to temporarily close the institution for one week.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Wakil, the police disclosed that on December 2, 2023, unknown individuals snatched a handbag containing a mobile phone from a lady identified as Philomena Ahobee, a student at Abubakar Tatari Polytechnic (ATAP), Bauchi. Agbaidu Joseph, the deceased, attempted to assist in retrieving the handbag and was stabbed on the left side of his chest with a sharp knife. Despite being rushed to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) for treatment, he was pronounced dead by a medical doctor.
The Commissioner of Police for Bauchi State, CP Auwal Musa Mohammed, met with the leadership of two student bodies (NUBAS and SUG) to address the situation. The student leaders expressed disapproval of the violent protest by some students and commended the CP for swiftly responding to contain the situation.
The students’ leaders submitted a letter requesting increased security presence in their communities. CP Auwal Musa Mohammed assured them of deploying the intelligence and operational assets of the police to the affected areas. Additionally, more personnel and patrol vans were ordered for constant visibility patrol in the region.
The Commissioner criticized the students for taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing that such matters should be adjudicated by higher institutions and relevant stakeholders. He encouraged residents to remain law-abiding, be vigilant, and promptly report suspected criminal activities to the police.
Efforts are underway to apprehend the perpetrators of the crime, with the CP assuring that justice will be served in the case.
