Bandits have killed Dr. Tiri Gyan David, a lecturer at the Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA) in Katsina State.
The early hours of Tuesday saw David’s death. He was head of FUDMA Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension, and Rural Development.
A resident said the assailants abducted two of the late lecturer’s children after killing him.
The deceased lived in Yarima Quarters, Low-Cost Estate, and Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The source added that the bandits invaded the community with sophisticated weapons, shooting sporadically to scare the residents.
The Katsina Police Command spokesman, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, confirmed the incident but said the command would release a detailed statement about it later.
Recall that in the past, some university students who were living off campus were abducted and later released following negotiations, although authorities said no ransom was paid.
Dutsinma is one of the local government areas grappling with banditry, although there has been a reduction in the rate of attacks in recent times due to the efforts by both the state government and security agencies in tackling the menace.
The FUDMA Public Relations Officer is yet to respond to phone calls put through to him; however, some staff of the university confirmed the incident.
Reacting to the unfortunate incident, some staff and students of FUDMA commented on Facebook.
Ahmed Jafar Waziri wrote, “What tragic news! Bandits killed Dr. Tiri and kidnapped his family. He was the last person to call me yesterday about issues in his faculty at 11:30 pm. We were supposed to meet today at 8 a.m. in my office.
“The university and Dutsinma communities are deeply affected by this loss.”
Comrade Yahaya Salisu Aba, the President National Association of Agricultural Students, FUDMA Chapter in a condolence message shared on Facebook stated in part:
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our beloved father, mentor, and role model, Dr. Tiri Gyana, of the Department of Agricultural Economics.
“We know that no words can truly express the grief and sorrow you are feeling right now. But the entire FOA and NAAS FUDMA Chapter wants you to know that we are here for you and care about you in this great loss.
“We have lost someone special, and we are truly sorry for the loss. Dr. Tiri was a special person, jovial and gentle to the faculty, and we pray his light will always shine on the family. You are not alone, and we all care deeply about you.”