Suspected phone snatchers cut off Bauchi varsity student’s fingers and ear

Suspected phone snatchers attacked a 200-level student of Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), Gadau, Bauchi State, Maryam Yakeem, cutting of her two fingers and part of her ear.

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The incident occurred in Gadau town, Itas Gadau Local Government Area of the state on April 23, 2026. 

Eyewitnesses said four attackers accosted the victim and demanded her phone.

In the process, one of the assailants used a knife to severe her two fingers and ear before escaping with the phone as well as two ATM cards. 

The spokesperson for the command, SP Nafiu Habib, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday, April 25 said the victim sustained serious injuries during the attack and that efforts were ongoing to track down the suspects. 

According to the PPRO, the victim is currently receiving treatment at a health facility in Gadau and may be referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Azare.

“The Bauchi State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of its efforts to apprehend the perpetrators of the unfortunate incident that occurred on 23rd April, 2026, in Gadau, Itas/Gadau LGA, involving a female student of Sa’adu Zungur University residing off-campus,” the statement read. 

“At about 1930hrs, a report was received at the Gadau Police Outstation indicating that an unidentified suspect, armed with machete and knife, attacked Maryam Yakini, a 22-year-old female student, near Villa Lodge.

“The victim, a student of Gadau Campus of the University, sustained serious injuries during the attack, including the severing of her left thumb and ear. 

“She is currently responding to medical treatment at the Teaching Hospital, Azare. 

“The assailant also robbed her of personal belongings, including two ATM cards (Opay and Access Bank) and her school identification card.

“The Command also wishes to categorically debunk claims circulating on some sections of social media that the victim d!ed following the incident. 

“These claims are not only misleading and untrue but also represent a desperate attempt to incite unrest and panic within the student community.

“Consequently, the Command assures the public of its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all students through its ‘Safe School Initiative Programme’, which will also be improved at all off-campus areas statewide.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, mni, psc (+), further warned students to avoid loitering or reading in isolated places, especially during night hours.

“For emergencies, complaints, and information to the Police, Bauchi State Command, call: 0815184941, 08025635508.”