In the early hours of Tuesday, terror struck the Unguwar Jeji community near the Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK), as unidentified gunmen abducted a 400-level student and fatally shot a local resident.

The victim, Augustine Madubiya, a final-year Economics student at FUBK, was kidnapped from Istijaba Villa, an off-campus student hostel, around 3:00 a.m. Eyewitnesses say the armed assailants, numbering about five, stormed the compound while students slept outdoors due to the sweltering heat. The attackers demanded money and, upon learning the students had none, began to assault them.

The violence escalated when a nearby resident, Malam Siddi Hussaini, reportedly tending to his cattle, rushed to the scene. He was shot dead by the gunmen.

While Madubiya was taken, another student, Collaneous Steven, a 200-level Business Administration student, narrowly escaped the attack.

FUBK Vice Chancellor, Professor Muhammad Zaiyan Umar, visited the site in the company of the Divisional Police Officer of Kalgo Division and Department of State Services (DSS) officials. Addressing the shaken student community, Professor Umar pledged the university’s unwavering commitment to student safety.

The Vice Chancellor has formally reported the incident to Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasir Idris, through the Secretary to the State Government and the Director of Security Services.

The university extended its gratitude to the District Head of Unguwar Jeji and community members for their swift support. It also called on the Nigeria Police, DSS, and state security forces to intensify efforts in securing the release of the kidnapped student and preventing further threats to student life.

As of press time, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction.