Armed bandits have kidnapped Abdulsalam Rabi’u Faskari, a 300-level MBBS student at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, along with his father and brothers near Labin Bangori, Katsina State.
Security analyst Bakatsine disclosed the incident on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, raising fresh concerns over the escalating insecurity in the region.
Rabi’u, who recently emerged as the top winner in a Qur’anic Recitation Competition in Kebbi State, also serves as the Imam at the Masjid of the College of Medical Sciences.
The attack occurred on Tuesday evening as the family was returning home after Rabi’u was honoured by Governor Dikko Radda for his victory at the 39th National Qur’anic Recitation Competition in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. He secured the first position in the prestigious third category (male) for memorising 60 Hizbs of the Glorious Qur’an.
In a statement, the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) expressed grief over the incident:
“With heavy hearts and profound sadness, the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, expresses its deepest grief and solidarity with the family, friends, classmates, and the entire Muslim community over the tragic kidnapping of our beloved brother, Abdussalam Rabi’u Faskari, a 300-level MBBS student, Imam at the Masjid of the College of Medical Sciences, and a distinguished achiever who won 1st position in the 60Hizb category at the last National Musabaqa.”
“Brother Abdussalam, along with some members of his family, was kidnapped on their way home from the Government House, Katsina, after an honourable session with the Governor of Katsina State. This heartbreaking incident has left us in a state of anguish and despair, yet we remain steadfast in our faith in Allah, the Most High, the Owner of all sovereignties, who alone has the power to ease all difficulties.”
“We mourn with the family of Abdussalam, his friends, classmates, and the entire MSSN community. We pray that Allah (SWT) grants them patience, strength, and solace during this trying time. We also call on all members of the society and the wider Muslim ummah to join us in fervent supplication, seeking Allah’s divine intervention for the safe return of Abdussalam, his family, and all others held in captivity.”
“We urge everyone to remain steadfast in prayer and to continue seeking Allah’s mercy and assistance in this difficult time. Let us also remember the countless others who are in similar situations and pray for their safe return.”
The kidnapping adds to the growing list of security incidents in Katsina State. On January 15, suspected bandits stormed the Kankara General Hospital in Kankara Local Government Area, abducting five persons and shooting a medical doctor, Murtala Dandashire, in the thigh.
Dandashire, a native of Kankara Local Government, was the best graduating medical student of the Class of 2019 from Ahmadu Bello University Medical School in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The rising wave of abductions continues to unsettle residents, as families and communities call for urgent government intervention to curb the menace.
