Gunmen Kill NOUN Bursar Along Gusau-Marafa Road in Zamfara

The National Open University of Nigeria has announced the death of its Bursar, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, who was reportedly shot dead by gunmen while returning from Gusau, Zamfara State, on Sunday, September 6, 2026.

The university described his death as a “sudden and untimely” loss.

A Life Cut Short on a Sunday Afternoon

ValidViewNetwork gathered that the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has been thrown into mourning following the killing of its Bursar, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, who was shot dead by gunmen along the Gusau-Marafa road in Zamfara State.

The incident occurred on Sunday, September 6, 2026, while Marafa was returning from Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.

The university, in an official notice signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Oladipo Adetayo Ajayi, confirmed the tragic news.

A Dedicated Administrator

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Marafa assumed office as NOUN Bursar on September 17, 2022, taking over a five-year tenure from his predecessor.

According to the university, he was a dedicated and committed administrator who served the institution meritoriously and held various positions of responsibility during his career.

In a statement announcing his death, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Senate, staff and students, expressed deep sorrow over the loss.

“The Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Senate, Staff and Students of the National Open University of Nigeria, regrets to announce the sudden and untimely passing of the University Bursar, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, which occurred today, Sunday, 6th September 2026,” the statement read.

Security Concerns Along Zamfara Roads

The university did not disclose the identity of the attackers or provide details on whether the assailants were kidnappers, bandits or armed robbers.

As of press time, there was no official information on the motive for the killing, the precise location of the attack or the status of any investigation into the incident.

The killing adds to growing concerns over the security situation along major roads in Zamfara, where travellers have continued to face threats from armed criminal elements.

NOUN described Marafa’s death as a “profound loss” to the institution, mourning him as a distinguished colleague, dedicated administrator and valued member of the university community.

The university extended its condolences to his immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues and others affected by the tragedy, praying that Almighty Allah grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

A Lesson for Nigerian Youths

This tragedy is a stark reminder that insecurity has become a daily reality for millions of Nigerians.

A senior university administrator was murdered in broad daylight on a public road. The same politicians who claim to have defeated insecurity will never allow their own children to travel on such dangerous roads. Their families are protected.

For young Nigerians, the lesson is clear: your safety is not guaranteed, no matter your status or position.

The same leaders who fail to secure the roads will never allow their own families to be victims.

Demand better security. Hold leaders accountable. And never forget that every life lost to insecurity is a failure of governance.