By Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident has rocked the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) community after a 400-level student was fatally shot by a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State.
Intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that the deadly encounter occurred around 11:06 a.m. on February 23. The victim, Saidu Abdulkadir, a 25-year-old student of the Department of Agricultural Extension, was riding on a commercial motorcycle with Abubakar Yusuf, 40, en route to Kashe-Naira Quarters when they were intercepted by four CJTF operatives in a Hilux vehicle.
According to eyewitnesses, the duo allegedly failed to stop when ordered, prompting one of the CJTF members—whose identity remains undisclosed—to open fire. Abdulkadir sustained grievous gunshot wounds to his thigh and hips, while Yusuf was also struck in the thigh.
Both victims were immediately rushed to the General Hospital, Dutsin-Ma, before being transferred to the Orthopedic Hospital in Katsina. Despite desperate efforts to save him, Abdulkadir succumbed to his injuries around 3:00 p.m., leaving the university community and his loved ones in mourning.
In response, the Katsina State Police Command has launched an intensive investigation to track down and arrest the CJTF operative responsible. Authorities have also heightened security in the area to prevent potential unrest following the killing.
The incident has sparked outrage, with students and residents demanding justice for Abdulkadir and questioning the unchecked use of force by local security outfits. The tragic death has once again raised concerns about the conduct of armed vigilante groups operating in the state.
As investigations unfold, the FUDMA community mourns the loss of a promising young student whose life was cut short in an encounter that should never have turned deadly.
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