A 300-level medical student from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria has been abducted along with his father and brother, university officials confirmed Wednesday.
Abdussalam Rabiu, the winner of the 2024 National Qur’anic Competition, was kidnapped Tuesday evening while returning to his hometown of Faskari in Katsina State. The abduction occurred along the Funtua-Faskari axis shortly after Rabiu attended an honorary session with the Katsina State Governor at the Government House to recognise his achievement.
“The news has sent shockwaves through the ABU community,” said Abubakar Ado Saleh, President of the ABU Medical Students’ Association (ABUMSA). “Students and lecturers alike are deeply concerned about his well-being.”
According to university officials, security agencies have been alerted and are currently working to locate the victims. The family members’ whereabouts remain unknown as of press time.
The abduction comes just hours after what should have been a celebration of Rabiu’s academic and religious accomplishment, making the incident particularly tragic.
“This heartbreaking incident is most deeply felt by his family, who are devastated and living in fear,” Saleh added. “The burden on them is immeasurable as they remain hopeful for their safe return.”
ABUMSA leadership has pledged solidarity with the family during this difficult time and called for the swift and safe rescue of Rabiu and his relatives.
Authorities have yet to determine whether the kidnappers were aware of Rabiu’s recent public recognition or if this was a random attack in an area that has seen increased insecurity in recent months.
This is a developing story.
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