Seven students of Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, have been abducted by suspected terrorists in an early morning attack on Wednesday, June 3. The incident occurred at their off-campus residence on the outskirts of the Low-Cost area of Kaura Namoda town in Zamfara state, a region that has become a hotspot for banditry in recent years.
Local Government Confirms Attack
Mannir Haidara Kaura, chairman of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, confirmed the attack and stated that security agencies have launched operations to secure the safe return of the abducted students. He said, “The incident occurred, and security operatives are currently carrying out rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped students.”
Student Recounts Ordeal
Ibrahim Ahmad, a student of the institution, revealed that one of the abducted students managed to escape, leaving three male and three female students still in captivity. He added that the attack has triggered tension across Kaura Namoda town.
Police Confirm Abduction
The Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the abduction through its spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar. He stated that the incident took place at the students’ residence and that security operatives have intensified efforts to rescue the victims. Abubakar explained that one of the students reportedly stepped outside at night to relieve himself and inadvertently left the door open, allowing bandits to enter. He said, “One of the students went outside during the night, claiming he wanted to urinate. In the process, he left the door open. Coincidentally, bandits passing through the area entered the house and abducted the students.”
Abubakar added that the school premises are well secured with adequate personnel, making it extremely difficult for bandits to penetrate. He also noted that the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), in collaboration with troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, has launched a coordinated rescue operation.
Group Raises Alarm Over Insecurity
The Concerned Citizens of Kaura Namoda expressed alarm over the worsening security situation, allegedly perpetrated by a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Bello Dansadiya, and his gang. In a statement, the group recalled previous incidents, including the abduction of two senior lecturers held captive for over two months despite ransom payment, and the kidnapping of three residents and a district head from his residence near a military base. The group queried, “Alarmingly, all these victims are reportedly still being held in a well-known bandit camp around Dajin Yamma, yet no rescue operations have taken place. Where are the fighter jets and armoured vehicles?”
Rising Insecurity in Northwest Nigeria
Zamfara state has been the epicentre of attacks by heavily armed men known locally as bandits, who have wreaked havoc across Nigeria’s northwest in recent years. These groups have kidnapped thousands, killed hundreds, and made road travel unsafe. The abduction of students from the Federal Polytechnic adds to a growing list of kidnappings for ransom across the region.
