Motorists stranded as Federal University Gusau students block major highway to protest the abduction of their colleagues
Students of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, have staged a protest against the incessant abductions of their colleagues by bandits. They blocked the ever-busy Gusau-Funtua Road, a major highway linking Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna states, leaving several motorists stranded on Saturday. The protesters defied the presence of armed security personnel by marching from Damba to Sabon-Gida, a community opposite the main campus of the university. An eyewitness, who gave her name as Rejoice, recounted how the abductions happened on Friday night at Damba area. The protesting students vowed not to participate in the second-semester examinations scheduled to begin on Monday until their colleagues regain their freedom.
“No students, no exams!”, protesting students said
Expressing their dissatisfaction with the security situation, they chanted, “No students, no exams!” They decried the increase in the abduction of their colleagues and other travellers on the highway. Several students of the university have been kidnapped recently, with ransom paid for their release. While some remain in captivity, the students called on relevant authorities to help them resettle their abducted colleagues. The students also appealed to the management of the university to provide better security measures to prevent future occurrence.
- The university struggled with security challenges
The protest happened after several students were kidnapped in the Damba area, on the outskirts of Gusau. The students blocked the highway for several hours until security agents forcefully dispersed them. An unidentified student was seen on the floor, reportedly beaten by the security operatives. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Muazu Abubakar, was present at the protest ground but declined an interview request from Channels Television.
