A wave of grief and outrage has swept through Zamfara State following the tragic death of Zarah Abubakar Shehu, a 21-year-old student of the Federal University Gusau (FUGUS). Zarah, a 300-level student, perished in captivity after being held for four agonizing months, a stark reminder of the escalating insecurity plaguing the region. The young woman, along with her two siblings, was abducted from their home in the Damba area of Gusau in the early hours of Sunday, November 3, 2024, by a group of armed bandits.

The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N35 million for the safe release of the abducted siblings. After protracted negotiations, a sum of N10 million was agreed upon. However, in a cruel twist, even after receiving the ransom money, the abductors reneged on their promise. They instead issued a fresh set of demands: four motorcycles (locally known as Boza) and four cartons of engine oil. This blatant act of extortion further compounded the family's distress and prolonged Zarah's ordeal.

Despite the immense challenges, Zarah's family and community rallied together, working tirelessly to meet the kidnappers' revised demands. After months of relentless effort, the required motorcycles and engine oil were finally secured. The kidnappers' leader was promptly informed, and he, in turn, contacted his subordinates to arrange the release. But the news that followed was devastating: Zarah had already died and had been buried two days prior to the fulfillment of their demands. The news brought indescribable sorrow to her family and the university community.

Zarah Abubakar Shehu was the only daughter of her mother, adding another layer of heartbreak to this tragedy. Her dreams and aspirations were cut short by the callous actions of her abductors. The incident highlights the increasing vulnerability of students and civilians to banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria. While authorities have yet to issue an official statement, multiple sources familiar with the situation, including Zagazola Makama, have confirmed the tragic development.

Zarah's death is not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of a larger crisis. Nigeria has witnessed a surge in abductions targeting students in recent years, exposing the pervasive insecurity that threatens the nation's future. In April 2021, Greenfield University in Kaduna State was attacked, resulting in the abduction of at least 20 students and two staff members. Tragically, some of the abducted students were later found dead. Similarly, in the same month, students from the Federal University of Agriculture in Makurdi, Benue State, were kidnapped. In May 2024, at least nine students were abducted from Confluence University in Kogi State. And in February 2025, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University in Makurdi, Benue State, became the target of gunmen who abducted four female students. These incidents paint a grim picture of the dangers faced by students in Nigeria's educational institutions.

The death of Zarah Abubakar Shehu serves as a wake-up call to the government and security agencies to redouble their efforts to combat banditry and kidnapping. The safety and security of all citizens, especially vulnerable students, must be prioritized. Failure to address this crisis will have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria's future.