Nigerian Army University Dean dies in Boko Haram captivity

Professor Abubakar El-Jummah, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at the Nigerian Army University, Biu, Borno State, has reportedly died while in the custody of Boko Haram insurgents.

The respected academic was abducted on March 3, 2025, while travelling from Biu to Maiduguri. His abduction occurred along the Damaturu–Buni Yadi–Biu road, a route that has witnessed repeated security incidents over the years.

Funeral prayers in absentia were held at the deceased’s family residence at about 2 p.m. on Thursday.

A member of the family said the insurgents had reached out to them.

“They said he felt sick and died after spending almost a year in captivity. We were devastated by the news, but we performed the funeral prayer in absentia,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to those who supported the family during the difficult period.

However, it was not confirmed whether the insurgents demanded any ransom before the incident.

The funeral prayer was later held at about 2:00 p.m. at the Ngomari Old Airport Juma’at Mosque, close to his residence, with hundreds of sympathisers from the academic community and the neighbourhood in attendance.

(DAILY TRUST)