Prof. Yusuf Saidu, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Development at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, was killed by bandits.
The attack occurred while Prof. Saidu was travelling from Sokoto to Kaduna State.
The university announced Prof. Saidu’s death in a brief statement on its Facebook page on Monday. The statement read, “The death has occurred of Prof. Yusuf Saidu, the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research Innovation and Development Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto. He was attacked and killed by bandits on his way to Kaduna from Sokoto State.”
Prof. Saidu was remembered as a man of integrity, religion, dedication, and courage.
His untimely death is a significant loss to the university community and the broader academic world. “May Allah accept his soul and forgive his sin, but this is a painful loss to all members of the University community and the Academia at large,” the statement concluded.
This tragic event underscores the persistent threat of banditry in northern Nigeria, despite numerous military operations and substantial financial investments aimed at curbing the violence.
The region continues to grapple with insecurity, posing significant challenges to the safety and development of its communities.