Gunmen on Thursday night attacked the students’ quarters of Bilyaminu Usman Polytechnic (BUPOLY), Hadejia, Jigawa State, injuring two students and carting away dozens of mobile phones.
The attackers stormed an off-campus male hostel located along Malam Madori road around midnight, assaulting students and attempting an abduction before being repelled by residents who rushed to the scene.
Eyewitnesses said the armed men inflicted injuries on some students and snatched several phones before fleeing. “If not for the shouts and screams, they might have taken some students away,” said Tukur Danlami, a resident who joined others to confront the assailants.
Two students, Manniru Magaji and Yunusa Yaro, told PUNCH that the bandits invaded their dormitory with weapons and forcefully collected phones, leaving them terrified.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Jigawa, SP Shi’isu Adam, said the attack took place at a hostel rented by students off campus. He said police personnel responded immediately after receiving a distress call.
“Two students were seriously injured during the attack and taken to Hadejia General Hospital. They have since been discharged,” he said.
Mr Adam added that security has been reinforced around the polytechnic and its environs while investigations are underway to apprehend the culprits.
Meanwhile, Garba Ibrahim, a local youth leader, condemned the incident and urged authorities to step up protection for students. “Such attacks disrupt peace and endanger our young people. We call on the government and security agencies to act decisively,” he said.
