Six students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, remain in captivity after suspected bandits attacked their off-campus residence and abducted seven students during a late-night raid.
The incident occurred at a student residence located on the outskirts of the Low-Cost area of Kaura Namoda town, raising fresh concerns about security in the area and the safety of students living outside campus facilities.
Chairman of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, Mannir Haidara Kaura, confirmed the attack and said security agencies had launched rescue operations to secure the victims' release.
"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, disclosed that one of the abducted students managed to escape, leaving six others—three male and three female students—in the custody of the kidnappers.
The abduction has sparked anxiety among residents and students, with the Concerned Citizens of Kaura Namoda describing the situation as part of a growing security crisis in the area. The group blamed the worsening insecurity on the activities of a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Bello Dansadiya, and his gang.
In a statement, the group cited several previous kidnapping incidents, including the abduction of two senior lecturers who were reportedly held for more than two months despite the payment of ransom. It also referenced the kidnapping of three residents and a district head from a residence located 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 questioned.
The Zamfara State Police Command also confirmed the incident and said efforts had been intensified to rescue the remaining victims.
Police spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the attack occurred at an off-campus residence and confirmed that one of the victims escaped shortly after the abduction.
According to him, the institution itself remains adequately secured against attacks.
"The school premises have been fortified with adequate security personnel, making it extremely difficult for bandits to penetrate," Abubakar stated.
He explained that preliminary investigations suggested one of the students had 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.
Abubakar added that operatives of the Command's Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), working alongside troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, had launched a coordinated operation to rescue the victims.
"Our VCRU personnel, together with troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, are working to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted students," he said.
The latest incident highlights the persistent security challenges facing communities in Zamfara State, where kidnappings and bandit attacks continue to threaten residents despite ongoing military and law enforcement operations.
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