Outrage as Phone Snatchers Attack SAZU Female Student in Gadau, University Reacts

David Omokuvie

Suspected phone snatchers have reportedly severed two fingers and injured the ear of a female student of Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) during a violent robbery attack in Gadau, Bauchi State.

The incident occurred on Thursday evening in Gadau, host community of the university’s main campus in Itas/Gadau Local Government Area.

Sources in the area said four suspected criminals accosted the student and aggressively demanded her mobile phone.

While she was trying to escape, one of the assailants allegedly attacked her with a sharp knife, cutting off two of her fingers before snatching the phone.

The attackers also inflicted deep cuts on her face, while part of her ear was reportedly severed during the struggle.

Residents of Gadau condemned the attack and called on security agencies to urgently track down and arrest the suspects.

They lamented that criminal activities had increased in recent times, leaving residents and students living in fear.

The community also demanded increased security presence in the town, considering its status as a major student population centre.

The victim is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility in Gadau and may be referred for further care.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Nafiu Habib, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview.

He said efforts had been intensified to apprehend the suspects, recover the stolen phone and prosecute those involved after investigation.

Meanwhile, the management of Sa’adu Zungur University dismissed reports claiming the attack happened inside the campus.

In a statement issued by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Auwal Hassan, the institution clarified that the student, Maryam Yakeem, a 200-level Biology Education student, was attacked outside the university premises.

The statement added that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fatimah Tahir, remains committed to the safety of students and staff across the institution’s three campuses.

It also disclosed that the university’s Chief Security Officer and Dean of Student Affairs visited the student at the hospital, adding that she is in stable condition