The serene academic world of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto was shattered on Monday as news spread of the tragic death of Professor Yusuf Saidu, Vice Chancellor of Research and Development.
Professor Saidu, a renowned scholar, met his untimely end while on his way back from official duty in Kaduna State.
A security expert who shares exclusive security information regularly on social media, Zagazola Makama, said the professor was victim of mistaken identity in the tumultuous region of Zamfara.
Quoting unnamed sources, the security expert said Professor Saidu and his driver were traveling through Kucheri in Zamfara State when their official blue-colored Hilux was tragically misidentified as a police vehicle by bandits fleeing a military operation.
The bandits opened fire without hesitation, fatally injuring Professor Saidu and leaving his driver wounded.
He said, “According to authentic sources, Professor Saidu and his driver were traveling through Kucheri in Zamfara State when their vehicle, an official blue-colored Hilux, was mistakenly identified as a police vehicle by bandits fleeing from soldiers.
“The bandits opened fire, killing Professor Saidu instantly and injuring his driver.”
The aftermath of the incident saw Professor Saidu’s body and his vehicle recovered and subsequently laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites on Tuesday.
The loss of the distinguished academic has left the university community and beyond in deep mourning.
“The academic community is in mourning as news of his death spreads,” an unnamed senior staff member of the university reportedly told the security expert.
“Professor Saidu was a visionary leader who played a crucial role in shaping the university’s research and development endeavors. His contributions will be deeply missed.”
The tragic news sparked an outpouring of grief and anger on social media platforms, where Nigerians expressed their shock and demanded justice for the slain professor.
On X.com, @magmal11 (Ibrahim, SHEHU agara (MHR)) offered condolences: “May Allah SWT forgive his shortcomings and admit him into Aljannah Firdausi, amin allahumma thumma amin. My condolences to the members of his immediate and extended families as well as the community. Pathetic!”
@sanusialtine (Sanusi Altine) highlighted the broader security concerns: “The situation on the Sokoto, Gusau, Funtua, and Kaduna roads has become increasingly perilous due to banditry. The tragic incident involving Professor Saidu is part of a broader pattern of violence affecting these routes, where bandits frequently attack travelers.”
Amid the tributes and condolences, @jegudujera (Abiodun Oladiipo PhD) reflected on the national implications: “May Professor’s soul rest in peace and be granted Aljanah-Firdaus. We are all in bondage in Nigeria. In one way or another, we all pay for the sins of the children left behind, with millions out of school across the nation.”
@samolu29 (Peaky Blinder) raised poignant questions about security: “It is too sad, security is very crucial. He woke up in the morning not knowing it was his last day on earth. No investment or major development can spring up in such an environment. When elites’re dying like this, what is at stake for common men? May God grant him eternal rest.”
@ol3ol (Ola Roti) expressed deep sorrow and frustration: “When will these senseless criminals stop? This is a horrible news, a talent developed over decades wasted by criminals in just a moment and in a brutal manner! This hurts deeply. May His family be comforted.”
However, @Geochemy01 (Al-Amin Tsafe, PhD) challenged the narrative saying: “The bandits were NOT fleeing. They were crossing and the military were at a distance observing them. You don’t have to lie sir.”
