The Bauchi State Police Command has announced a manhunt for the culprits of an attack on a female student at Sa’adu Zungur University in Gadau, Itas/Gadau Local Government Area of the state.
The event took place on April 23, 2026, and involves a 22-year-old student named Maryam Yakini, who lives off-campus.
In a statement released on Saturday, Police Public Relations Officer Nafiu Habib stated that the command got a report at the Gadau Police Outstation regarding an unidentified offender armed with a machete and knife who attacked the victim near Villa Lodge.
Habib added that the student was seriously injured during the incident, which included the amputation of her left thumb and ear.
“The victim is currently responding to medical treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Azare. The assailant also robbed her of personal belongings, including two ATM cards (Opay and Access Bank) and her school identification card,” the statement further read.
Meanwhile, a police official dismissed claims circulating on social media suggesting that the victim had died, calling the information incorrect and deceptive.
“These claims are not only untrue but also represent a desperate attempt to incite panic within the student community,” he clarified.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding student safety through its Safe School Initiative Program and stated that security measures around off-campus locations would be enhanced.
Following the incident, the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, advised students not to loiter or study in remote areas, especially at night.
He advised the people to report suspicious activity and emergencies to the police at 0815184941 and 08025635508.
According to our source, the management of Bauchi State’s Sa’adu Zungur University confirmed the attack.
Auwal Hassan, the institution’s public relations officer, confirmed the news in a statement released on Saturday, stating that the injured student is a 200-level biology education undergraduate.
Hassan added that the student was apparently accosted by unknown men suspected of being phone snatchers on Thursday.
He said, “The unfortunate incident occurred outside the university environment, contrary to some misleading reports circulating on certain online media platforms, suggesting that the attack took place within the university premises. The university management wishes to categorically state that this claim is false and does not reflect the reality of the situation.”
According to the statement, the vice-chancellor, Fatimah Tahir, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to the safety and security of students and staff on all three campuses.
According to the management, continued engagement with internal security structures and competent agencies has resulted in no incidences of insecurity on university campuses.
It further stated that the vice-chancellor had previously paid a courtesy visit to the state commissioner of police to increase collaboration and improve security support for the university community.
