UDUS Clarifies Bandit Attack Near Campus, Says No Students or Staff Were Involved

The management of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), has clarified that neither its students nor staff were involved in a recent attack on a nearby settlement, distancing the institution from reports linking the incident directly to the university.

The university’s Public Relations Officer, Ismail Yauri, said the incident involved cattle rustlers who attacked a household in a settlement located behind the institution’s perimeter fence.

According to Yauri, the victim was a resident of the community and not a student or staff member. He also stressed that the attack did not occur within the university campus or any student hostel.

He explained that the attackers attempted to steal the resident’s cattle and shot him in the leg when he tried to stop them.

The Sokoto State Police Command had earlier confirmed the attack in Gidan Asarki, where one person was shot and 28 cattle were reportedly stolen.

Yauri described reports suggesting that the incident occurred within student accommodation as misleading and urged media organisations to establish the connection between incidents and institutions before publishing reports that could create confusion.

The clarification comes amid concerns about insecurity in communities surrounding educational institutions. Although the attack occurred near UDUS, available information does not establish that the university itself was attacked or that any student or staff member was abducted.

The distinction is important for accurate public understanding while security agencies continue to address attacks and livestock theft affecting communities in Sokoto State.