Sokoto govt, college deny abduction of 18 students - Punch Newspapers

The Sokoto State Government and the management of Gamji College of Health Technology, Sokoto, have dismissed as false a report alleging that 18 students of the institution were abducted by suspected terrorists while travelling to Oyo State. The denial followed a report published on Monday, October 5, 2026, which claimed that the students were travelling in a chartered bus when they were attacked and abducted, with the driver reportedly killed. In a statement signed by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Sokoto, Abubakar Bawa, the state government said no student of Gamji College of Health Technology was abducted. “The Sokoto State Government wishes to categorically state that no student of Gamji College of Health Technology, Sokoto, was abducted by suspected terrorists,” the statement said. The government urged members of the public to disregard the report, describing it as false and without basis in fact.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google The college also issued a separate clarification through its Registrar, Bello Abdulrahman, insisting that none of its students was kidnapped. “The College wishes to categorically state that the said report is FALSE, MISLEADING and does not reflect the true situation. “No student of Gamji College of Health Technology, Sokoto, was kidnapped, and there was no such incident involving our students,” the statement said. Two killed, many injured as youths, vigilante clash in Niger CAN urges Tinubu to reduce fuel, food prices Kidnappers demand N81.9bn, collect N11.4bn in three years – Report According to the management, all its students were safe and had continued with their academic and professional programmes. “Our students are safe, sound and currently in their various destinations, pursuing their academic and professional programmes as planned,” it said. The college appealed to parents, guardians and members of the public to disregard the report and refrain from circulating it further. The institution also reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and welfare of its students, saying it would continue to work with relevant security agencies to maintain a safe learning environment. Clarifying the identity of the person reportedly abducted, the state government said the victim was Halima Sokeni, a former student of Gamji College of Nursing Sciences, More Area, Sokoto State. According to the government, Sokeni graduated as a midwife in September and was travelling home on Thursday, October 1, when she and other passengers were abducted in Niger State. The government consequently appealed to journalists and media organisations to adhere to professional standards by verifying information before publication to avoid spreading false, misleading and potentially alarming reports. Animashaun Salman

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