A 200-level student of Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), Maryam Yakeem, is receiving medical treatment after suspected phone snatchers severed two of her fingers and part of her ear during a violent robbery in Gadau town, Bauchi State.
The attack occurred on Tuesday outside the university campus in Itas Gadau Local Government Area of the state.
According to eyewitnesses, four men accosted Yakeem, a Biology Education student, and demanded her phone at knifepoint. When she tried to escape, one of the attackers slashed her hand with a sharp knife, cutting off two fingers as he forcefully took the phone. The assailants also inflicted deep cuts on her face, leaving part of her ear damaged.
The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the incident, with Police Public Relations Officer SP Nafiu Habib stating that the victim, believed to be a student, sustained serious injuries while resisting the phone theft.
He said efforts are underway to track and arrest the suspects, recover the stolen phone, and prosecute them after investigation.
Residents of Gadau have expressed alarm over a recent spike in phone snatching and violent robberies, saying the criminals have been terrorizing the community and creating an atmosphere of fear. They are calling on security agencies to increase patrols and act swiftly to apprehend the perpetrators.
As of the time of filing this report, Yakeem was receiving treatment at a local medical facility and may be referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Azare.
University responds
SAZU management clarified that the attack did not occur within the university premises, contrary to some reports circulating online.
In a statement, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mallam Auwal Hassan, said the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fatimah Tahir, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to student and staff safety across its three campuses. He noted that there have been no reported cases of insecurity within the campuses due to collaboration with internal security and external agencies.
“The Chief Security Officer and the Dean of Student Affairs promptly visited the victim at the hospital to ensure she receives adequate medical attention. We are pleased to report that her condition is stable,” the statement read.
The Vice-Chancellor also condemned the spread of unverified information, saying it could cause unnecessary panic. She extended sympathy to the student and assured that measures are being taken to strengthen security both on and around the campus.
The incident has renewed calls for improved security in Gadau, a town with a significant student population, as residents urge authorities to restore safety and confidence.
