● “Where are the fighter jets?” locals ask as captives reportedly held in Dajin Yamma camp
Suspected bandits invaded an off-campus hostel of Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, early Tuesday and abducted seven students. One escaped, leaving three male and three female students in captivity, authorities confirmed.
Kaura Namoda LGA Chairman, Hon. Mannir Haidara Kaura, confirmed the attack in a chat with Daily Trust, which first reported the incident, saying security agencies have launched rescue operations.
“The incident occurred, and security operatives are currently carrying out rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped students,” Haidara said.
–How it happened–
Zamfara Police Command spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the attack occurred at a residence on the outskirts of Low-Cost area.
“One of the students went outside during the night to urinate. In the process, he left the door open. Coincidentally, bandits passing through the area entered the house and abducted the students,” Abubakar stated.
Student Ibrahim Ahmad said one victim managed to escape, while six remain with the kidnappers.
–Locals: “Dajin Yamma camp still holding victims”–
The Concerned Citizens of Kaura Namoda blamed notorious bandit leader Kachalla Bello Dansadiya and his gang. The group recalled previous abductions in the area, including two senior lecturers held for over two months despite ransom payment, and the kidnap of three residents plus a district head near 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 queried.
–Police response–
DSP Abubakar confirmed the polytechnic campus itself “remains well secured” with “adequate security personnel, making it extremely difficult for bandits to penetrate.”
He said the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, in collaboration with troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, has launched 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.
The incident adds to growing fears over off-campus student safety in Zamfara, where armed groups continue to operate despite military offensives.
