Six Arrested in Katsina Over University Student’s Murder

The Katsina State Police Command has apprehended six students from the Federal University Dutsinma in connection with the tragic death of 21-year-old Abubakar Nasir-Barda, a second-year student at the university. ASP Aliyu Abubakar-Sadiq, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the arrests in a statement released on Saturday.

Contrary to speculations, Abubakar-Sadiq dismissed the notion that the incident was rooted in religious disputes. Instead, he revealed that the unfortunate event, which unfolded on September 28, 2023, at Darawa quarters in Dutsinma Local Government Area, stemmed from a heated altercation among eight students over a romantic relationship with a fellow female student. The altercation escalated tragically, resulting in the untimely death of one of the students involved.

The Katsina State Police Command is taking the matter with utmost seriousness and is presently conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain the precise circumstances surrounding the incident. This investigation includes gathering and analyzing all available evidence, including eyewitness testimonies, to establish a comprehensive understanding of the unfolding events while maintaining the principles of justice and fairness.

As the investigation progresses, the command has pledged to keep the public informed to ensure transparency throughout the process. ASP Abubakar-Sadiq also emphasized that anyone with pertinent information concerning the incident is encouraged to come forward, assuring that all information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

In a separate statement, Commissioner of Police Aliyu Abubakar-Musa urged the public to remain calm during this trying time. He extended his deepest condolences to the family and friends impacted by this tragedy, as well as the University’s management, offering sympathies and support to those affected.

Meanwhile, Malam Nasir Ibrahim-Barda, the father of the deceased, has called on the police to conduct a comprehensive and thorough investigation. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), he stressed the importance of holding those responsible accountable under the law to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.