‘Threatens sense of safety’ — LASU condemns skit depicting bandits attacking campus

The Lagos State University (LASU) has condemned a recent comedy skit depicting a bandit attack on campus. 

A content creator identified as “Datreez Entertainment TV” had shared a now-deleted video tagged “Bandits Prank on Lasuites.”

The clip showed some young men wearing jalabiya, their heads wrapped with turbans as they dramatically entered a school hall.

Another part of the video captured another group, dressed in the same outfit, stepping out of a car and scaring onlookers.

Some of the lurking students were seen in the video scampering for safety, while others stood in awe of the situation.

The video, however, triggered a wave of reactions from the public, with many frowning at the prank.

Some social media users argued that the video was “insensitive” given the volatile security situation in Nigeria.

In a statement, Thomas-Onashile Oluwayemisi,  LASU spokesperson, said the university condemns such acts that suggest banditry, terrorism, or violent extremism.

The varsity also said it did not authorise the recording of the video.

They added that the university does not support any form of prank that can incite fear, disrupt campus peace, or threaten the sense of safety of its students and staff.

But in a reactive statement, Datreez Entertainment clarified that the clip was not meant to cause panic or harm among the school community.

The entertainment company stated that the video was shot in a controlled environment “to avoid danger, harm, or distress”.

They said the content was strictly a social experiment, created solely for entertainment.

The prankster stated that no weapons or harmful objects were used during production and that safety measures were adhered to.

The entertainment platform tendered an apology to the school management, adding that they regret any discomfort the video caused.

“Every scene, action, and reaction captured in the video was fully staged, involving participants who were aware of the concept and voluntarily part of the production,” the statement reads in part.

In October, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) officially prohibited the unauthorised use of its campus for video shoots by skit makers, filmmakers, and other content creators.

The school management expressed concern about the increase in unsanctioned filming across campus, including in student hostels.