Habiba Ummi Lele, a 400-level Chemistry student at the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA), was killed on Saturday, August 1, 2026, when suspected armed robbers opened fire on the vehicle she was travelling in. The attack occurred as she was returning to Lafia after attending a friend's graduation ceremony at the College of Health and Technology, Keffi. She died at the scene, according to a report by Daily Trust, becoming the latest casualty of a wave of violent crime in Nasarawa State.
The tragic incident has plunged her family, friends and the entire FULAFIA community into mourning. A funeral prayer was held on Sunday at the residence of Hon. Hudu A. Hudu Kanje in Kanje, where sympathisers, community leaders and government officials gathered to pay their respects and pray for her soul.
Funeral Prayer Draws Dignitaries and Mourners
Among those present at the funeral were the Executive Chairman of Awe Local Government Council, Hon. Umar Abubakar Dan'AKano, and Hon. Hudu Kanje, the member representing Awe North Constituency. Their presence underscored the gravity of the loss and the growing concern over insecurity along the Keffi-Lafia corridor and other roads in the state.
The killing has also triggered an outpouring of grief on social media, with many Nigerians taking to various platforms to condemn the incessant attacks on citizens and demand greater action from authorities.
Social Media Erupts with Grief and Anger
On Facebook, Mujahid Saleh Saad wrote: "We pray that Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings, give her family, friends and the entire FULAFIA community the strength to bear this painful loss, and protect all travellers from harm."
Instagram user Stephiny Ugomma expressed a sense of helplessness in the face of recurrent tragic news, saying, "To hear good news these days is by God's grace." Tony Ocheni, also writing on Facebook, drew a stark comparison: "The number of people being killed in Nigeria is higher than in countries that are fighting wars."
Another Instagram user, identified as The Quiet, directed attention to Nasarawa State specifically: "The rising cases of armed robbery and kidnapping in Nasarawa State are becoming deeply alarming. How many more innocent lives must be lost before stronger action is taken?"
Three FULAFIA Students Abducted in Separate Attack
Habiba's death came within the same weekend as another harrowing incident involving FULAFIA. Three 100-level students were abducted from Sure Leaders Lodge, an off-campus hostel in the Bukan Kwato area of Lafia. Gunmen stormed the lodge at approximately 8:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, and forcefully took the students away.
The two incidents have intensified pressure on security agencies and the Nasarawa State Government to take immediate action to protect students on major roads and around student communities. Many are now questioning the level of safety for young people pursuing education in the state.
As of the time this report was filed, no official statement had been issued regarding the robbery that claimed Habiba's life, and efforts to rescue the abducted students were said to be ongoing. The lack of a swift official response has added to public frustration.
Renewed Calls for Enhanced Security Measures
The back-to-back attacks on students in Nasarawa have reignited calls for a stronger security presence along the Keffi-Lafia road, improved surveillance in off-campus residential areas, and swift action against criminal networks operating in the state.
This incident is not isolated. In a recent court case, a Delta High Court sentenced two men to death over the kidnapping and murder of a DELSU student, while another defendant was acquitted. Prosecutors described the verdict as long-awaited justice for the victim's family, reflecting the judiciary's role in tackling crimes against students.
