The authorities of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State, have shut the institution for a week following students’ protest over the death of a final-year Geology student.

The student, Joseph Ogbaibaidu, an indigene of Nasarawa State residing in Benue State was stabbed to death on Sunday on his way home by robbers who tried to snatch his mobile phone. He resisted them and was stabbed several times and made away with the phone.

He was pronounced dead after sympathisers took him to the ATBU Teaching Hospital in the Metropolis.

The university spokesman, Zailani Bappa, said the school authorities found it necessary to close down the Institution to avert breakdown of law and order within the university community.

It also noted that the decision was taken so that protest would not escalate to other surrounding communities.

The spokesperson added all entreaties by the management to pacify the students proved abortive, with some of them disrespecting the management who was on ground to calm the situation by urging them to allow the police to do their investigation.

The spokesman further said the university authorities were aware of the development and took a decisive action by informing the police for immediate action.