Gunmen kidnap students from Zamfara polytechnic

At least six students from the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, in Zamfara State, have been kidnapped by suspected armed men.

Mannir Haidara, the Chairman of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, confirmed the news to Daily Trust. He said security agencies have been sent to rescue the students.

Residents told the newspaper that armed attackers have been troubling the area for a long time.

A local group called Concerned Citizens Group of Kaura Namoda blamed a bandit gang led by a known criminal, Kachalla Dansadiya, for the repeated attacks on the community.

The group said the kidnapping of the students is just the latest case in a scary trend of violence.

Before this incident, two senior lecturers from the Federal Polytechnic had been held for over two months. Ransom payments were made for their release, but they are still in captivity.

Other community members also mentioned that another resident, taken during an attack on the Low-Cost housing area, is still missing.

In another incident, a district head in his 80s was taken from his home near a military base.

The local group expressed worry about the lack of military action. They pointed out a recent targeted attack:

"Two wives and five family members of a senior paramilitary officer were taken three weeks ago. This happened even after urgent calls were made to security forces during the attack.

"Sadly, all these victims are still held in a well-known bandit camp around Dajin Yamma, yet no rescue operation has happened. Where are the fighter jets and armoured vehicles?

"Despite many complaints and suggestions sent to the authorities, nothing has changed. Staff and students are scared and leaving town to save themselves," the group's statement said.

The group warned that the ongoing, unchecked movement of bandits between the town and their hideouts is damaging the trust in the nation's security system.

"Letting these criminals attack, kidnap, and go back to their base without challenge is a slap to our national security.

"With a military base close to the Low-Cost area, urgent action is needed before the bandits do something more embarrassing to our forces."

As fear grows and local businesses and schools suffer, the community is calling on Nigeria’s top security leaders for urgent help.

"We are urgently calling on the Ministry of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the SSS, and all relevant authorities to come to our rescue.

"Do not wait for them to strike, take the fight directly to their doorstep, send more operatives and equipment, and protect our community and the Polytechnic before frustration drives residents to take matters into their own hands."