Kidnappers have abducted seven students from the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, in Zamfara State. Fortunately, one student has since escaped, leaving three boys and three girls still in captivity. Kaura Namoda, the second-largest city in Zamfara State, is currently under siege as bandits led by kingpin Kachalla Bello Dansadiya appear determined to destroy the community.
Ongoing Pattern of Abductions
This latest student abduction is part of a terrifying and ongoing pattern. Reports indicate that two senior lecturers have been held for over two months, despite ransom payments. A local resident remains in captivity following an attack on the Low-Cost area. Additionally, an elderly district head in his 80s was abducted from his home, located right next to a military base. Two wives and five family members of a senior paramilitary officer were taken three weeks ago, despite urgent calls made to security forces during the attack.
Residents Express Alarm
A concerned resident of Kaura Namoda, Ahmed Kaura, expressed alarm that all these victims are still being held in a well-known bandit camp around Dajin Yamma, yet no rescue operations have taken place. He questioned the absence of fighter jets and armored vehicles. According to him, despite numerous complaints and suggestions forwarded to the authorities, nothing has changed. As a result, fearful staff and students are fleeing the town for their own safety.
Kaura lamented that allowing these criminals to attack, kidnap, and return to their base unchallenged is an affront to national security. He stressed that with a military base located near the Low-Cost area of the town, proactive measures must be taken immediately before the bandits attempt something even more embarrassing to security forces.
Urgent Call for Action
We are urgently calling on the Ministry of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Department of State Services (DSS), and all relevant authorities to come to our rescue, he said. Do not wait for them to strike. Take the fight directly to their dens, deploy more operatives and equipment, and protect our community and the Polytechnic before frustration drives residents to take matters into their own hands.
