Suspected bandits have abducted seven students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, after attacking their off-campus residence on the outskirts of the Low-Cost area of Kaura Namoda town in Zamfara State.
The Chairman of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, Mannir Haidara Kaura, confirmed the incident and disclosed that security agencies had launched efforts to rescue the victims.
“The incident occurred, and security operatives are currently carrying out rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped students,” he said.
A student of the institution, Ibrahim Ahmad, revealed that one of the abducted students managed to escape, leaving six others—three males and three females—in captivity.
The incident has heightened concerns among residents, with a group known as the Concerned Citizens of Kaura Namoda describing the security situation in the area as alarming.
In a statement, the group blamed the rising insecurity on the activities of a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Bello Dansadiya, and his gang. It cited previous abductions in the area, including that of two senior lecturers who were reportedly held for more than two months despite the payment of ransom.
The group also referenced the kidnapping of three residents and a district head from a location close to a military base.
“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?” the group questioned.
The Zamfara State Police Command also confirmed the abduction and said efforts had been intensified to rescue the students.
Police spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the attack occurred at a private residence occupied by the students outside the institution’s main campus. He confirmed that one of the victims escaped while security operatives continue efforts to secure the release of the remaining six students.
According to him, the polytechnic campus remains well secured.
“The school premises have been fortified with adequate security personnel, making it extremely difficult for bandits to penetrate,” Abubakar stated.
Explaining the circumstances surrounding the attack, he said one of the students reportedly stepped outside during the night and unintentionally left the door open.
“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,” he said.
Abubakar added that operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), working alongside troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, have launched a coordinated rescue operation.
“Our VCRU personnel, together with troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, are working to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted students,” he said.
