The management of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina, has ordered an immediate closure of the institution following protests over the killing of a student. The decision was communicated through a statement by the university’s spokesperson, Habib Umar Aminu, who revealed that Vice-Chancellor Prof. Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi conveyed the Senate’s resolution. Students were directed to leave the campus by 6 p.m. on Monday.
The shutdown follows a demonstration on Sunday when hundreds of students took to the streets, blocking a major highway to express their outrage over the death of their colleague. The deceased, identified as Sai’d Abdulkadir, was a 400-level student in the Faculty of Agriculture. Reports indicate that Abdulkadir was fatally shot on Sunday evening after the commercial motorcyclist transporting him allegedly failed to stop at a checkpoint controlled by a local vigilante group.
A student leader explained, “The vigilantes fired shots when the rider refused to halt, but tragically, Sa’id was hit instead.” The motorcyclist, who also sustained injuries, is currently receiving medical attention.
In reaction to the incident, aggrieved students mobilized and blocked the Kankara-Dutsin-Ma-Katsina highway, burning tyres and demanding justice for their slain colleague. Security personnel, including police and military officers, were deployed to the scene, using tear gas to disperse the protesters. However, students regrouped on Monday to resume their demonstration.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Police Command has confirmed that an investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the killing.
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