A video showing young men dressed as armed bandits at Lagos State University (LASU) has caused anger among students and staff. The video, posted online on December 5 by Datreez Entertainment TV, showed the group wearing desert-style clothing and turbans as they rushed into a crowd of students, creating panic on campus. The prank came amid rising fears about attacks in parts of Niger and Kebbi States.
After the backlash, the creators removed the video and apologized, saying the scene was staged for entertainment with participants’ consent and that no one was harmed. They also admitted the timing of the video was poorly chosen given the country’s current security situation.
The prank has caused frustration among student content creators, who say campus security officers are now seizing phones and limiting filming. Several students, including popular content creators, said the incident has made it harder to produce videos and has slowed the growth of creative activities on campus.
LASU issued a statement distancing itself from the video, describing it as unauthorized and unacceptable. The university said it does not allow content that mimics terrorism or spreads fear among the school community and advised students to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
The event has reignited discussions about the balance between creative expression and safety. LASU, known for its active content culture, now joins other institutions, like the University of Lagos, which have implemented restrictions on filming to prevent misuse and misrepresentation on campus.