There was tension at Al-Qalam University, Katsina State as two students of the institution were abducted on their way back from Niger State.
Confirming this, the institution’s spokesman, Malam Akilu Abubakar, on Thursday said, “We wish to address recent reports regarding two female students of our school who were kidnapped on January 15, 2024. The students were on their way to Katsina from Niger State to resume their studies.
“They were among the passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle at the time of the abduction. Their last contact with their families was when they reached Zaria en route to Katsina. Information regarding the circumstances of their abduction is still scanty, as the incident did not happen at the university.
“The university has contacted the families of the students, who have confirmed the sad development.”
He called upon all security agencies in the state and beyond to work towards ensuring that the freedom of the students are guaranteed, while also assuring that the institution will do everything in its capacity to free them unhurt.
Meanwhile, the Police on Thursday arraigned a 35-year-old market security guard, Emmanuel Onyekachi in an Ikeja Chief Magistrate’s Court over the alleged theft of 21 pieces of canned tomatoes.
The suspect, who resides at No 5, Ojo Close, Giwa, Ogun State, is being charged with stealing.
The Prosecutor, ASP Raji Akeem, told the court that the offence was committed on Dec. 4, 2023, at Iju- Ishaga market, Lagos.
Akeem said that Onyekachi stole 21 pieces of canned tomatoes valued at N18,000 from the market he was guarding,
belonging to one Mr Azeez Balogun.
The offence contravened sections of the Criminal Law Code of Lagos State, 2015.
However, the suspect pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Thereafter, the trial Chief Magistrate, Mrs Bola Osunsanmi, granted him bail in the sum of N10,000 with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case until Feb. 29 for mention.