Gunmen kidnap students from Zamfara polytechnic

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

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

Residents told the newspaper that armed attackers have been troubling the area for some time now.

A local group, Concerned Citizens Group of Kaura Namoda, released a statement blaming a bandit gang led by the notorious Kachalla Dansadiya for the repeated attacks on the community.

They said the kidnapping of the students is just the latest in a series of violent incidents.

The group mentioned that before this latest incident, two senior lecturers from the Federal Polytechnic had been held for more than two months, even after ransom payments were made for their release.

Residents also pointed out that another person, who was taken during an attack in the Low-Cost housing area, is still missing.

In another case, a district head in his 80s was kidnapped from his home next to a military base.

The group expressed worry about the lack of military action, pointing out a recent targeted raid. They said, "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.

"Alarmingly, all of these victims are 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?

"Despite numerous complaints and suggestions sent to the authorities, nothing has changed. As a result, fearful staff and students are leaving the town to stay safe," the group’s statement continued.

They warned that the unchecked movement of bandits between the town and their hideouts seriously questions the effectiveness of the nation’s security forces.

"Allowing these criminals to attack, kidnap, and go back to their base without being stopped is a threat to our national security.

"With a military base close to the Low-Cost area, immediate action must be taken before the bandits do something even more embarrassing to our forces."

With fear growing and the local economy and schools affected, the community has urged Nigeria’s security leaders to act quickly on the ground.

"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 aid.

"Do not wait for them to strike, take the fight straight to their doorstep, send more operatives and equipment, and protect our community and the Polytechnic before frustration pushes residents to take action themselves."