Bandits Kidnap Katsina University Student, Demand N20 Million Ransom

Fresh concerns over rising insecurity in northern Nigeria have emerged after suspected bandits reportedly abducted a student of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University while travelling within Katsina State.

The victim, identified as Auwal Mas’ud Shitu, is said to be a 300-level student of Pure and Industrial Chemistry at the institution.

Reports indicate that Shitu was kidnapped on Sunday, May 17, 2026, while travelling from Charanchi to Dutsin-Ma, an area that has witnessed repeated security concerns linked to bandit activities.

The incident was made public by conflict and security reporter Bakatsine in a post shared on X on Monday.

According to the report, the abductors are demanding a ransom of N20 million for the student’s release, an amount his family is reportedly unable to raise.

“Bandits have abducted Auwal Mas’ud Shitu, a 300-level Pure & Industrial Chemistry student at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina State,” Bakatsine wrote.

“He was reportedly kidnapped while travelling from Charanchi to Dutsin-Ma. The abductors are demanding N20 million ransom, an amount the family reportedly cannot afford,” the post added.

Friends, relatives, and concerned residents have since appealed for prayers and urgent intervention as fears continue to grow over worsening insecurity across several northern states.

The abduction has also reignited public debate over the safety of students and travellers using roads in parts of Katsina State and neighbouring communities frequently targeted by armed gangs.

Kidnappings for ransom have remained a major security challenge across northwestern Nigeria, with students, farmers, commuters, and rural residents increasingly becoming targets for criminal groups operating in forest corridors and remote highways.

Many residents say the continued attacks are fueling fear and uncertainty, especially among families who now worry about the safety of loved ones travelling within the region.