Bandits abduct 7 polytechnic students in Kaura Namoda

Seven students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, in Zamfara State, have been abducted by suspected bandits following an attack on their off-campus residence.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night when the gunmen reportedly stormed the students’ accommodation located on the outskirts of the Low-Cost area in Kaura Namoda town and whisked the victims away to an unknown destination.

“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, said one of the victims managed to escape during the attack, leaving six others, three males and three females, in captivity.

Meanwhile, a group known as the Concerned Citizens of Kaura Namoda expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the area, allegedly linked to a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Bello Dansadiya, and his gang.

In a statement, the group referenced previous incidents in the area, including the abduction of two senior lecturers who were held for more than two months despite ransom payments.

It also cited the kidnapping of three residents and a district head from his residence near a military base, alleging that the victims are still being held in a bandit camp around Dajin Yamma.

The group questioned the effectiveness of ongoing security operations in the area.

Meanwhile, the Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the latest abduction in a statement on Wednesday, saying efforts had been intensified to rescue the victims.

Spokesperson of the Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the incident occurred at the students’ residence on the outskirts of the Low-Cost area last night.

He confirmed that one student escaped while six others were taken away by the attackers.

According to him, the institution itself remains secured with adequate security deployment, making it difficult for bandits to penetrate the school premises.

Abubakar explained that the attack occurred after one of the students reportedly stepped outside at night and left the door open, allowing the attackers to gain access.

“One of the students went outside during the night to urinate and left the door open. The bandits, who were passing through the area, entered the house and abducted the students,” he said.

He added that operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, in collaboration with troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, have launched a coordinated rescue operation to secure the victims’ release.