Tragedy as kidnapped varsity student dies in captivity as gunmen abduct more

The worsening insecurity in Nigeria took another tragic turn as a kidnapped student of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, was confirmed dead after spending four months in captivity.

The victim, 21-year-old Zarah Abubakar Shehu, a 300-level student, was abducted alongside her two siblings from their home in the Damba area of Gusau on November 3, 2024.

Her captors initially demanded ₦35 million for their release but later lowered the ransom to ₦10 million. However, after collecting the ransom, the kidnappers made fresh demands for four motorcycles and four cartons of engine oil before agreeing to set her free.

Despite the family’s desperate efforts to meet these conditions, the abductors later informed them that Zarah had already died and had been buried two days before negotiations were concluded. Her death is a devastating loss to her family, particularly her mother, for whom she was the only daughter.

Meanwhile, in a separate attack, armed bandits stormed Paris Quarters, a community behind the Federal University, Dutsinma, Katsina State, and abducted four students in the early hours of the morning.

Security expert Zagazola Makama reported that the incident occurred around 2:20 a.m. when a heavily armed gang invaded the area and whisked the victims away. The kidnapped students have been identified as Wali Kayode, Fahad Muhammad, Emmanuel (surname unknown), and one other person whose identity remains unconfirmed.

Although security operatives responded to a distress call, the attackers had already fled with their captives before they could be intercepted. Authorities have launched a manhunt to track the assailants and secure the safe release of the abducted students.