Gunmen Kidnap Students in Zamfara

Seven students from Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, have been kidnapped by suspected gunmen. The attack happened at their off-campus home in the Low-Cost area of Kaura Namoda town. Hon. Mannir Haidara Kaura, the Chairman of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, confirmed this to Daily Trust. He said security agencies have started operations to bring back the abducted students safely. "The incident occurred, and security operatives are currently carrying out rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped students," Haidara stated.

One student, Ibrahim Ahmad, mentioned that one of the kidnapped students managed to escape. This leaves three male and three female students still missing. Meanwhile, a group called the Concerned Citizens of Kaura Namoda is worried about the rising insecurity in the area. They blame a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Bello Dansadiya, and his gang for the problems. In their statement, they reminded everyone of past events, like when two senior lecturers were kidnapped and held for over two months even after ransom was paid. They also mentioned the abduction of three residents and a district head from his home, which is 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 asked. The Zamfara State Police Command has also confirmed the kidnapping. They said security operatives are working harder to rescue the victims. The police spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, explained that the incident took place at the students' residence in the Low-Cost area of Kaura Namoda. He confirmed that one victim escaped, while efforts are still ongoing to rescue the other six students.

He added that the school itself is well secured. "The school premises have been fortified with adequate security personnel, making it extremely difficult for bandits to penetrate," he noted. Abubakar explained how the kidnapping happened. He said one student went outside at night to urinate and accidentally 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. The police spokesperson also mentioned that members of the Command's Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) are working with troops from Operation Fansan Yamma to carry out 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," Abubakar said.