Suspected armed bandits have kidnapped four students from Paris Quarters, located behind the Federal University, Dutsinma, in Katsina State.
The incident, disclosed by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama in a post on his X handle on Sunday, occurred at approximately 2:20 a.m. when a large group of assailants silently invaded the area and abducted the victims.
The kidnapped students have been identified as Wali Kayode, Fahad Muhammad, Emmanuel (surname unknown), and one other individual whose identity is yet to be confirmed. According to Makama, security operatives were immediately deployed following a distress call, but the bandits had already escaped. Efforts are ongoing to track down the kidnappers and ensure the safe rescue of the victims.
Tragic Death of Abducted Student in Zamfara
In a related development, Makama also reported a tragic incident in Zamfara State, where Zarah Abubakar Shehu, a 21-year-old 300-level student of the Federal University Gusau, died in captivity four months after being abducted alongside her two siblings. Zarah was kidnapped from her home in the Damba area of Gusau in the early hours of Sunday, November 3, 2024, by armed bandits.
The abductors initially demanded ₦35 million for their release but later settled for ₦10 million. Despite receiving the ransom, they refused to release Zarah, demanding four motorcycles (Boza) and four cartons of engine oil as additional conditions. After months of efforts to meet these demands, the items were finally secured. However, the kidnappers revealed that Zarah had already died and had been buried two days before the final negotiations.
Zarah, the only daughter of her mother, endured four harrowing months in captivity before her tragic death. This heartbreaking incident underscores the persistent security challenges in the region and the devastating toll of banditry on families and communities.
Ongoing Security Crisis in Northern Nigeria
Zamfara remains one of the northern states battling violent criminal groups known as bandits, who raid villages, loot properties, kill residents, and set homes ablaze. These gangs operate from deep within the vast forests spanning Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Niger states and have been responsible for mass kidnappings of students in recent years.
In 2019, the state government, under then-Governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, attempted a peace agreement with the gunmen. However, despite the accord, communities in the state continue to experience frequent attacks, with residents being kidnapped or killed.
The recurring incidents highlight the urgent need for enhanced security measures to combat banditry and protect citizens across affected states.
