Gunmen have reportedly shot dead the Bursar of Open University of Nigeria, Nasiru Gusau Marafa, in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.
Marafa’s death was announced by the university in a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Oladipo Ajayi.
According to the institution, the bursar was allegedly attacked while returning from Gusau, although details surrounding the incident remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.
The university expressed shock over the death, describing Marafa as a dedicated administrator who contributed significantly to the development of the institution during his years of service.
Marafa was appointed the university’s Bursar in September 2022 and was said to have carried out his responsibilities with commitment and diligence.
The statement said the university community was mourning a distinguished colleague and administrator, while extending condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and other associates.
The institution added that details of his burial would be announced after consultations with the deceased’s family.
It also prayed for the forgiveness of Marafa’s shortcomings and asked Allah to grant him Al Jannah Firdaus, while giving his loved ones and the university community the strength to cope with the loss.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of the Zamfara State Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Yazid, were unsuccessful, as his telephone line was unreachable at the time of filing this report.
The incident comes amid concerns over attacks on members of academic communities in different parts of the country.
In June, a 100 level student of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, was reportedly shot dead by armed robbers.
Following the student’s death, the university management declared a lecture free day in honour of the deceased and expressed condolences to his family and fellow students.