The Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research Innovation and Development, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Professor Yusuf Saidu, has been killed by bandits.
The attack which occurred while Professor Saidu was traveling to Kaduna from Sokoto State was confirmed by the university on its Facebook page on Monday.
The university wrote, “With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Professor Yusuf Saidu, our Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research Innovation, and Development. He was attacked and killed by bandits on his way to Kaduna from Sokoto State.
“Professor Saidu was a man of integrity, religion, dedication, and courage. May Allah accept his soul and forgive his sins. This is a painful loss to our university community and the academic world at large.”
In April, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Lawal Bilbis, expressed concerns about the university’s geographical setting, which he said makes it a soft target for bandits.
He said, “In addition, the campus has a landmass covering 5,630 hectares, nestled amidst approximately 60 villages and hamlets with a collective population of about 200,000 people.
“This unique geographical setting poses a significant security threat, as tertiary institutions increasingly become soft targets for criminal activities such as banditry and kidnapping.”
