400-Level Federal University Dutsin-Ma Student Shot Dead By Civilian Joint Task Force In Katsina
The victim, identified as 25-year-old Saidu Abdulkadir from the Department of Agricultural Extension, was travelling on a commercial motorcycle with the rider, Abubakar Yusuf, 40 when they were stopped by four members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operating in a Hilux vehicle.
A400-level student of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina State, has been shot dead by local vigilantes for allegedly failing to comply with a ‘stop-and-search’ order, SaharaReporters has learned.
The victim, identified as 25-year-old Saidu Abdulkadir from the Department of Agricultural Extension, was travelling on a commercial motorcycle with the rider, Abubakar Yusuf, 40 when they were stopped by four members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operating in a Hilux vehicle.
The incident occurred around 11:06 a.m. on Sunday, February 23, at Kashe-Naira Quarters.
Sources told SaharaReporters that when the duo allegedly failed to stop as ordered, one of the CJTF operatives, whose identity remains unknown, opened fire. Abdulkadir sustained gunshot wounds to his thigh and hips, while Yusuf was hit in the thigh.
They were immediately rushed to the General Hospital, Dutsin-Ma, and later referred to the Orthopedic Hospital, Katsina, where Abdulkadir succumbed to his injuries around 3:00 p.m.
A distressing video obtained by SaharaReporters shows the student bleeding profusely from his thigh while onlookers attempted to stop the blood flow.
The killing has sparked outrage within the university community, with students staging a peaceful protest to demand justice. However, police officers reportedly responded by firing tear gas at the demonstrators.
A message from someone in the school community said: “I am reaching out regarding a distressing incident that occurred earlier today, where a police officer allegedly shot a student to death after stopping a motorcyclist who refused to comply.
“Even after students staged a peaceful protest to demand justice, the officers reportedly responded by firing tear gas at them. This tragic event raises serious concerns about police brutality and the disregard for human rights.”
The killing of Abdulkadir is yet another reminder of the persistent issue of extrajudicial killings and police brutality in Nigeria.
Security operatives, including the police and various vigilante groups, have frequently been accused of excessive force, leading to the loss of innocent lives.
In 2020, widespread protests under the #EndSARS movement sought to put an end to police brutality, yet such incidents continue to occur, raising doubts about reforms within Nigeria’s security architecture.
When called, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, the State Command Police Spokesperson, did not answer repeated calls. He requested a text message.
However, he has yet to respond to three follow-up texts sent to him by SaharaReporters on Monday morning requesting his comment on the incident.
