The management of Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina State, has closed the institution following violent protests by students over the alleged killing of one of their colleagues. The protests erupted after two students were reportedly shot by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), with one student losing his life.
According to a source who spoke anonymously, the incident occurred when CJTF officials mistakenly shot the two students, believing they were bandits’ informants. “One of the students died immediately, while the other was shot in the leg and is currently receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital,” the source explained.
In response to the incident, students took to the streets of Dutsinma, engaging in violent protests. They set vehicles on fire and vandalized properties. A local resident, Mallam Usman, reported that the protesting students also blocked the Dutsin-Ma–Katsina highway, setting tyres ablaze, which drew the attention of security forces.
Military personnel and police officers were deployed to the scene to restore order. According to reports, the security forces used a diplomatic approach to manage the situation without resorting to force. The protests spread into the town, with students chanting slogans to express their anger and frustration over the incident.
In response to the unrest, the Senate of Federal University Dutsinma announced the immediate closure of the school and instructed students to proceed on a one-week mid-semester break starting Monday, February 24, 2025. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi, advised students to vacate the campus by 6:00 PM on Monday.
A statement from the university wished the students a peaceful mid-semester break.
Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed the incident, stating, “Yes, I’m aware of the incident and I will release an official statement soon.”
