Suspected bandits have abducted seven students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, in Zamfara State following an attack on their off-campus residence.
The incident occurred when armed assailants invaded a student lodge located on the outskirts of the Low-Cost area of Kaura Namoda town.
Confirming the development on Wednesday, the Chairman of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, Mannir Haidara Kaura, said security agencies had launched operations to secure the safe release of the abducted students.
“The incident occurred, and security operatives are currently carrying out rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped students,” he said.
However, one of the students of the institution, Ibrahim Ahmad, disclosed that one of the victims managed to escape from captivity, leaving six students — comprising three males and three females — still in the hands of the abductors.
The Zamfara State Police Command also confirmed the incident, saying security personnel had intensified efforts to rescue the remaining victims.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the abduction took place at the students’ residence on the outskirts of the Low-Cost area of Kaura Namoda.
He confirmed that one of the abducted students had escaped, while security operatives were working to rescue the remaining six.
According to him, the Federal Polytechnic itself remains secure and has adequate security coverage.
“The school premises have been fortified with adequate security personnel, making it extremely difficult for bandits to penetrate,” Mr Abubakar said.
Explaining the circumstances surrounding the incident, the police spokesperson said one of the students reportedly stepped outside during the night and inadvertently 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.
Mr Abubakar added that operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), in collaboration with troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, had commenced a coordinated rescue operation aimed at securing the victims’ freedom.
