Insecurity: Bandits Kill University Deputy VC; Boko Haram Abducts High Court Judge, Wife

Bandits have killed Prof. Yusuf Saidu, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation, and Development at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. The incident occurred while Prof. Saidu was travelling to Kaduna from his base in Sokoto.

On Monday, the university announced the grievous news, expressing profound sorrow at losing a man who embodied integrity, religion, dedication, and courage.

“The death has occurred of Prof. Yusuf Saidu, the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation, and Development at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto,” the statement read.

“He was attacked and killed by bandits on his way to Kaduna from Sokoto state. A man of integrity, religion, dedication, and courage.”

The university community and the academic world at large mourn the loss of Prof. Saidu, with the institution praying for the repose of his soul.

In another tragic occurrence, Justice Haruna Mshelia of the Borno State High Court, along with his wife, driver, and orderly, were abducted by Boko Haram terrorists on Monday. The abduction took place on the Biu-Maiduguri road, a notorious stretch known for its dangerous conditions and frequent insurgent activities.

Justice Mshelia, who serves at the Borno State High Court in Maiduguri, was travelling in his vehicle accompanied by his wife, driver, and a security escort.

As they approached a curve on the road between Buratai and Buni-gari, armed men emerged from the bush, creating a barricade that forced the judge’s vehicle to a halt. In a desperate attempt to escape, the car was intercepted by another group of insurgents.

According to reports, the assailants took them hostage and transported them into the Sambisa Forest, a known stronghold of the terrorist group.

The abduction highlights the continuous security challenges motorists and passengers face on the Damaturu-Buni Yadi-Buratai-Biu road.

This 120-kilometre stretch remains a critical but dangerous route linking over five Local Government Areas in Southern Borno, including Biu, Hawul, Bayo, Shani, and Kwaya Kusar, to Maiduguri. The inability to reopen the Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu road has compounded the area’s vulnerability to such attacks.

Borno and Sokoto, which are part of the North-Western North-Eastern states, have been severely affected by banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping. This menace has claimed numerous lives and displaced many residents.

Read more: Young Kenyans Undeterred by Arrests, Gunshots, Takeover Parliament

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Oluwasegun Sanusi

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