Sokoto Government, Gamji college deny abduction of 18 students

“Our students are safe, sound and currently in their various destinations, pursuing their academic and professional programmes as planned,” the institution said.

The college asked parents, guardians, and members of the public to disregard the report and not circulate the information further.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and welfare of its students, saying it would continue to work with relevant security agencies to maintain a safe learning environment.

Government Clarifies Identity of Abduction Victim

The Sokoto State Government also provided clarification on the identity of the person reportedly abducted, stating that the victim was Halima Sokeni, a former student of Gamji College of Nursing Sciences, More Area, Sokoto State.

According to the government, Sokeni graduated as a midwife in September and was travelling home on Thursday, October 1, when she and other passengers were abducted in Niger State.

The clarification indicates that Sokeni was no longer a student of the institution at the time of the reported incident.

The state government therefore urged members of the public to distinguish between the reported abduction of Sokeni and the claim that students of Gamji College of Health Technology were kidnapped.

The government also appealed to journalists and media organisations to adhere to professional standards by verifying information before publication, particularly when reporting incidents involving students, security and alleged abductions.

It warned that the circulation of unverified information could create unnecessary fear and confusion among students, parents, guardians and the wider public.

The separate statements from the Sokoto State Government and Gamji College management have consequently sought to dispel the reported claim of the abduction of 18 students, while reaffirming that the institution’s students remain safe and engaged in their academic and professional programmes.

The college said it would continue to prioritise the safety and welfare of its students and maintain cooperation with relevant security authorities.

Background Of The Story

On Monday, SaharaReporters reported that suspected terrorists had reportedly abducted about 18 students of Gamji College of Health Technology, Sokoto State, while they were travelling to their hometowns in Oyo State.

According to them, the incident allegedly occurred within the past 48 hours along the route to Oyo State, with the driver of the chartered bus reportedly killed by the attackers.

The report claimed that a youth leader from Oke-Ogun confirmed the incident and said the victims were students of Gamji College of Health Technology and not Usmanu Danfodiyo University students.

According to him, the students were travelling in a bus arranged by their institution from Sokoto to Oke-Ogun, particularly Igboho, in Oyo State.

He said the assailants intercepted the bus, killed the driver and abducted the students.