Unknown gunmen stormed an off-campus hostel in Kebbi State in the early hours of April 7, 2025, abducting a student from the Federal University of Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) and killing a Fulani cattle rearer during the attack.
The incident took place at Istijaba Hostel in Unguwar Jaji, a village within the Kalgo Local Government Area of Kebbi. The attackers struck around 3 a.m., catching the hostel’s residents off guard as they slept.
The student who was abducted, Augustine Madubiya, is a 300-level student in the Department of Economics at FUBK. According to the university’s Public Relations Officer, Jamilu Muhammad, the attackers targeted Madubiya while he was fast asleep along with other students at the hostel. The gunmen forcefully took him away, leaving the other students in shock and fear.
Madubiya’s abduction has caused considerable distress among the students and faculty at the university, as the attack occurred in a usually quiet area. The incident has also raised concerns about the increasing insecurity in the state, with many residents and students fearing further attacks in the future.
In addition to the abduction, the gunmen also shot and killed a Fulani cattle rearer during the attack. The man, whose identity has not been fully disclosed, was reportedly tending to his cattle in the area when the assailants opened fire on him. He was shot multiple times and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, the cattle rearer was pronounced dead by the doctor on duty.
The killing of the cattle rearer has further added to the rising tensions in the region, as the Fulani herders in Kebbi State have increasingly been caught in the crossfire between security forces and criminals. The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of rural workers, especially those living in remote areas where there is often a lack of security presence.
The Kebbi State Police Command, through its spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the incident and stated that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Kalgo Local Government Area had immediately launched an investigation into the attack. Security forces have also initiated a manhunt for the gunmen, with police operatives combing the surrounding forests in search of the criminals and any possible leads on the whereabouts of the abducted student.
CSP Abubakar assured the public that the police are working tirelessly to track down the assailants and bring them to justice. He also urged residents of the area to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies.
This attack is one in a series of recent criminal activities in Kebbi State, which has been struggling with rising insecurity in recent months. While Kebbi has generally been considered one of the safer states in Nigeria, there has been an uptick in criminal activities, including kidnappings and armed attacks. This is largely attributed to the increasing presence of criminal groups and bandits, who operate in rural areas and target vulnerable individuals, including students and farmers.
The abduction of students is a growing concern across Nigeria, particularly in regions where kidnappers have targeted universities and schools for ransom. The incident in Kebbi State is one of several similar attacks that have occurred recently, putting both students and residents in fear for their safety. The rising frequency of these attacks has forced the authorities to reassess security measures and consider new strategies to combat the increasing number of abductions.
The university community, along with residents of Kebbi State, has expressed concern over the lack of adequate security in and around student hostels. While many campuses in Nigeria are equipped with basic security measures such as fences and watchmen, attacks like this one highlight the vulnerability of students in off-campus accommodations. Many students have called for more proactive measures, including the deployment of armed security personnel, regular patrols in vulnerable areas, and increased surveillance to prevent further incidents.
Furthermore, some students and parents are calling for the university to reconsider the safety of off-campus housing and potentially explore alternative accommodation options for students. The University Management, along with local authorities, is under pressure to ensure that such incidents do not repeat in the future.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the local community, with many residents expressing deep concern over the growing insecurity in the region. The Fulani cattle rearers, who have often been the targets of bandit attacks, are particularly fearful of being caught in the crossfire of these violent attacks. As the authorities continue their investigation, many locals are hoping for justice and the swift release of the kidnapped student.
In a statement, the Fulani Community Association in Kebbi expressed their condolences to the family of the deceased cattle rearer and called for better protection for their members, who often face security challenges while working in remote areas. The association also requested that the authorities intensify efforts to address the security concerns affecting their community, especially in rural Kebbi.
As the search for the kidnapped student continues, authorities in Kebbi State are faced with the challenge of ensuring the safety of residents, especially students and workers in rural areas. The ongoing manhunt for the gunmen is a critical test for local law enforcement and security agencies in the state, and it will be closely monitored by both residents and the public.
While the state government has yet to issue a formal statement on the incident, it is expected that they will work closely with federal security agencies to address the growing threat of insecurity in Kebbi. Local and state authorities must now prioritize the safety of citizens and provide an immediate solution to the spate of abductions, attacks, and killings that have put many Nigerians in a state of constant fear.
