The Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, has confirmed the abduction of one of its students by suspected bandits who invaded an off-campus hostel in Kalgo Local Government Area of Kebbi State in the early hours of Tuesday.
According to the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Malam Jamilu Magaji, the assailants struck around 3:00 a.m. at a private students’ lodge identified as Istijaba Villa, located in Unguwar Jeji.
“At around 3:00 a.m five armed men approached students of Federal University Birnin Kebbi at an off-campus hostel known as Istijaba Villa, located in Unguwar Jeji.
“The students were sleeping outside their rooms when the attackers accosted and demanded money from them.
“The students explained that as students, they had no money.
During the confrontation, the armed men assaulted the students.
“A neighbour, Malam Siddi Hussaini, who was nearby tending to his cattle, heard the commotion and came to ascertain the situation, he was shot dead by the armed men.
“The attackers abducted Augustine Madubiya, a 400-level student in the Department of Economics, while Mr Collaneous Steven, a 200-Level student of Business Administration, managed to escape,” Magaji narrated.
Following the incident, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Muhammad Zaiyan-Umar, visited the affected students in the company of the Divisional Police Officer of Kalgo Division and officials of the Department of State Services. He assured the students of the university’s full commitment to their safety and wellbeing.
Magaji noted that the Vice Chancellor had officially communicated the incident to Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, through the Offices of the Secretary to the State Government and the Director of Security Services at the Cabinet Office.
The university also expressed appreciation to the local community for their support during the crisis and appealed for additional assistance from the government and relevant security agencies to ensure the protection of students residing off campus.
