Armed bandits have reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦20 million for the release of Auwal Mas’ud Shitu, a 300-level student of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina State, who was kidnapped along the Charanchi–Dutsinma road.
Shitu was abducted on May 17, 2026, at Mararaban Kankara while traveling in a commercial vehicle.
According to security sources and online intelligence reports, the student was allegedly transporting sheep to southern Nigeria for sale when he was intercepted by armed assailants.
The young student was said to be involved in livestock trading to support himself financially following the death of his father.
Sources close to the university, who requested anonymity, revealed that Shitu had purchased several sheep and was moving them in a vehicle when the attackers struck and whisked him away along with the animals.
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“He usually sells within the state, but he was advised to take them to the South where prices are better,” one source said.
Family members of the victim confirmed that the abductors later established contact, demanding ₦20 million as ransom for his release. However, they noted that the family is unable to raise the demanded sum.
Efforts to secure his freedom are reportedly ongoing, while the whereabouts of the student remain unknown as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
The abduction adds to growing concerns over insecurity and kidnapping incidents along major routes in the state, raising fresh calls for intensified security measures to protect commuters and rural traders.
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