Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Tension has gripped Dutsin-Ma following the tragic killing of a 400-level student of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Saidu Abdulkadir, by a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
Truth Live News confirmed on Sunday that the incident occurred at about 11:00 a.m. on February 23, when Abdulkadir, a 25-year-old student of the Department of Agricultural Extension, was traveling on a commercial motorcycle with rider Abubakar Yusuf, 40, to Kashe-Naira Quarters.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the duo was stopped by four CJTF personnel in a Hilux vehicle but allegedly failed to comply. One of the operatives, whose identity is yet to be determined, opened fire, striking Abdulkadir on the thigh and hips and wounding Yusuf in the thigh.
Both victims were rushed to General Hospital, Dutsin-Ma, and later referred to the Orthopedic Hospital in Katsina. Abdulkadir, however, succumbed to his injuries at about 3:00 p.m.
In response, enraged students took to the streets on Sunday afternoon and continued protesting into Monday morning, demanding swift justice for their slain colleague. The Vice-Chancellor of FUDMA, Professor Armayau Bichi, addressed the protesters on Monday morning, calling for calm and assuring them that the perpetrators would be held accountable.
The Katsina State Police Command has launched an investigation to track down the CJTF officer responsible for the shooting. Meanwhile, security measures have been reinforced in the area to prevent further unrest.