A 400-level student of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) in Katsina State, Saidu Abdulkadir, has tragically lost his life after being shot by local vigilantes. The incident occurred on Sunday, February 23, around 11:06 a.m. at Kashe-Naira Quarters. Abdulkadir, 25, was traveling 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.
According to sources, the duo allegedly failed to comply with a ‘stop-and-search’ order, prompting one of the CJTF operatives to open 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.
The incident has raised serious concerns about police brutality and the disregard for human rights 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. The killing of Abdulkadir is a stark reminder of the persistent issue of extrajudicial killings in Nigeria.
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. The State Command Police Spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, has yet to respond to requests for comment on the incident.
The university community is still reeling from the shock of Abdulkadir’s death, and students are demanding justice for their slain colleague. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for security operatives to exercise restraint and respect for human rights, particularly in their interactions with civilians.