ATBU shut down campuses after students’ protests

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University’s Yelwa Campus in Bauchi has been closed by the management in response to student protests following the tragic stabbing of Joseph Agabaidu, a final-year Geology student, during a robbery attempt. The closure, initially for one week starting from Monday, December 4, aims to prevent a breakdown of law and order, with the management asserting that the protests were taken over by hoodlums.

According to a circular signed by Deputy Registrar (Academic) Haj. Fatima Inuwa Abdullahi and obtained by DAILY POST, the closure is a precautionary measure due to the disruption of peace caused by miscreants in the aftermath of the alleged murder of the student.

The circular states, in part: “In view of the above, the Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of the Senate, has approved the closure of the university for an initial period of one week with effect from Monday 4th to Sunday 10th December, 2023. Therefore, I am directed to request all undergraduate students on both campuses to vacate the university premises with immediate effect, as failure to comply may lead to appropriate sanction by the constituted authority.”

Tension escalated on Monday as students, protesting the tragedy, were reportedly teargassed by the Bauchi Police Command. The robbery incident occurred on Saturday night when the Geology student, returning to his lodge near Yelwan Tudu market in the Yelwa area, was attacked and later succumbed to his injuries.

The police disrupted the planned protest on Monday, stationing an armoured personnel carrier at the institution’s entrance. Students, in response, closed the gate, disrupting campus activities. Efforts to pacify them were met with solidarity songs.