In a significant development, one of the five female students abducted from the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) in Katsina State has regained her freedom after over 45 days in captivity. The student, identified as Muhammad Fatima Ruqqayat, was released on November 19, 2023, following the payment of a ransom exceeding N4 million, contributed by her family and the university management. Â
The abduction occurred on October 3, 2023, when armed terrorists invaded a private hostel behind Mariamoh Ajiri Memorial International School in Dutsin-Ma, kidnapping five female students. The incident has heightened concerns about the safety of students in the region, prompting calls for enhanced security measures around educational institutions.
Efforts to secure the release of the remaining four students are ongoing. The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a suspect in connection with the abduction and is collaborating with other security agencies to ensure the safe return of the remaining victims. Â
The Vice-Chancellor of FUDMA, Prof. Armaya’u Hamisu-Bichi, has been actively involved in the rescue efforts. He recently met with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who assured him of increased security personnel deployment to the university’s permanent site. Prof. Hamisu-Bichi also stated that he maintains regular communication with the abducted students, expressing optimism about their imminent release. Â
This incident underscores the escalating security challenges faced by educational institutions in Nigeria’s northern regions, with students and staff increasingly becoming targets for kidnappers. The academic community and the public at large are urging the government to implement more robust security strategies to safeguard lives and property.
As the search continues for the remaining abducted students, the university community remains hopeful for their safe return, while authorities intensify efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
