Bandits have demanded a ransom of N20 million for the release of Auwal Mas'ud Shitu, a student of Umaru Musa Yar'Adua University who was abducted along the Charanchi-Dutsinma road in Katsina State. The incident occurred on May 17 at Mararaban Kankara while the student was traveling in a commercial vehicle.
Victim's Background
Shitu, a 300-level student of Pure and Industrial Science, was reportedly transporting domestic animals to the southern part of the country for sale at the time of his abduction. Sources within the university, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the student had engaged in the buying and selling of sheep to support himself and supplement his family's income following the death of his father.
“He usually sells the animals within the state, but he was advised to move them to the southern part of the country where they would attract higher prices,” one source stated. The source added that Shitu had purchased several sheep and loaded them into a vehicle before suspected bandits intercepted the travelers at Mararaban Kankara and abducted him along with the animals.
Ransom Demand and Family Response
Family sources confirmed that the abductors later contacted the family and demanded N20 million for his release. However, the victim's mother and relatives are unable to afford the amount demanded by the kidnappers. As of the time of filing this report, it remains unclear whether the abductors have reopened negotiations with the family.
The Nigeria Police Force in Katsina State has yet to issue an official statement on the incident. The abduction was first reported by security analyst Bakatsine and online news platform Sahara Reporters.
