A private institution Al-Qalam University, Katsina State, has confirmed that two of its female students were kidnapped in Kaduna.
The victims, Habiba Ango Shantali and Maryam Abubakar Musa alongside other passengers traveling in a commercial vehicle from Niger State to Katsina were abducted around Zaria on January 15, 2024.
Spokesperson for Al-Qalam University, Malam Akilu Abubakar, who confirmed the abduction of the female students on Thursday, January 18, said the last contact of the students with their families was when they reached Zaria en route Katsina.
“We wish to address recent reports regarding two female students of our school, who were kidnapped on Jan. 15, 2024,” he said.
The students were on their way to Katsina from Niger State, to resume studies.
“They were among the passengers traveling in a commercial vehicle at the time of the abduction. Their last contact with their families was when they reached Zaria enroute Katsina
“Information regarding the circumstances of their abduction is still scanty as the incident did not happen in the University.
“The university has contacted the family of the students who have confirmed the sad development,” he said.
Abubakar quoted the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Nasiru Musa-Yauri, as sympathising with the families of the affected students and promising to stand by them “to navigate through this difficult situation”.
He further quoted the Vice Chancellor as praying to God to protect the students and make their release very easy.