Suspected bandits have abducted six students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, after invading their off-campus residence on the outskirts of the Low-Cost area of Kaura Namoda town. The incident has sparked renewed concerns over insecurity in the region.
Local Government Confirms Abduction
Chairman of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, Mannir Haidara Kaura, confirmed the incident to newsmen, stating that security agencies have launched operations to rescue the abducted students. “The incident occurred, and security operatives are currently carrying out rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped students,” he said.
Student Account
A student of the institution, Ibrahim Ahmad, disclosed that one of the abducted students escaped from the kidnappers, leaving three male and three female students still in captivity. The escapee managed to flee during the chaos, providing hope for the remaining victims.
Police Response
The Zamfara State Police Command also confirmed the abduction, stating that security operatives had intensified efforts to rescue the victims. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the attack occurred at the students’ residence on the outskirts of the Low-Cost area of Kaura Namoda. He explained that one of the victims escaped, while efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining six students. According to him, the institution itself remains secure. “The school premises have been fortified with adequate security personnel, making it extremely difficult for bandits to penetrate,” he said. Abubakar added that the incident occurred after one of the students reportedly stepped outside at night to relieve himself and inadvertently left the door open, allowing the bandits to enter.
Political Party Condemns Attack
Meanwhile, the Zamfara State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed sympathy with the Kaura Namoda Emirate over the abduction and the persistent insecurity in the area. In a letter addressed to the Emir of Kaura Namoda and signed by the state chairman of the party, Kabiru Garba Gusau, the ADC expressed “deepest sympathy and profound concern” over the incident and the continued wave of kidnappings affecting the emirate and neighbouring communities. The party said it was saddened by the abduction of the students and prayed for the safety and immediate release of those still in captivity. It also sympathised with the families of the victims, the management of the polytechnic and residents of Kaura Namoda. The ADC called on the Federal Government, security agencies and other stakeholders to intensify efforts towards rescuing abducted persons, dismantling criminal hideouts and restoring peace across Zamfara State. According to the party, it remains committed to advocating policies and actions aimed at protecting lives and promoting sustainable peace and development.
Senator Warns of National Threat
Also yesterday, Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West, warned that kidnapping and banditry had become widespread across the country, describing the situation as a major threat to national security. Karimi spoke on the floor of the Senate while contributing to a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari over the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Ogbomoso. “Mr President, the issue of kidnapping and banditry is a big problem that is trying to bring down this nation, and when it happens, we tend to blame it on the federal government alone,” he said. The senator disclosed that bandits invaded Ayedun Bunu, a community in his senatorial district, in the early hours of Monday and abducted 28 residents. Karimi called for legislative action on proposals for state police and forest guards, while urging state governments to contribute more resources towards funding and equipping security agencies. He argued that the inability of local government councils to function effectively had created ungoverned spaces across the country. The lawmaker also advocated the deployment of drones by state governments to strengthen surveillance and security operations. “Even state governments can provide attack drones. But we are leaving all this, and blaming everything on the federal government,” he added.
