A freshers’ celebration at the Federal University of Education, Kontagora, Niger State, descended into chaos in the early hours of Thursday after a student was allegedly stabbed to death during a violent altercation at the institution’s hall.
The incident, which occurred around 1:40 a.m., has thrown the university community into mourning and raised fresh concerns over security at campus social events.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the killing, identifying the victim as 25-year-old Seyi Simon.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the tragedy followed a disagreement between the deceased and an 18-year-old suspect, Jafar Musa, said to be from the Angwan-Gwari area of Kontagora.
Police sources disclosed that the argument escalated into a physical confrontation, during which Musa allegedly attacked Simon with a dagger, inflicting fatal injuries.
Simon was rushed to the General Hospital in Kontagora but was pronounced dead on arrival by medical personnel.
Abiodun said the suspect had been taken into custody and was assisting investigators with efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing.
He appealed to students and residents to remain calm, assuring that justice would be pursued in accordance with the law.
The shocking incident has sparked outrage and anxiety within the university, with calls mounting for stricter security measures and better supervision of student gatherings to prevent a recurrence.