Suspected phone snatchers have attacked a 200-level Biology Education student of Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), Gadau, Maryam Yakeem, severing two fingers and part of her ear during a robbery in Gadau town, Itas Gadau Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The incident occurred outside the university campus and has raised concerns among residents over rising cases of violent phone theft in the area.

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

In the process, one of them reportedly used a knife to severe her two fingers and part of her ear before escaping with the phone.

Residents said such attacks have become frequent, calling on security agencies to intensify patrols and arrest those responsible.

The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the incident.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said the victim sustained serious injuries during the attack and that efforts were ongoing to track down the suspects, recover the phone, and prosecute them.

At the time of filing this report, the victim was receiving treatment at a health facility in Gadau and may be referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Azare.

Meanwhile, SAZU has clarified that the attack did not occur within its campus.

Mallam Auwal Hassan, Public Relations Officer of the University, in a statement, said, “The unfortunate incident occurred outside the University environment, contrary to some misleading reports circulating in certain online media platforms suggesting that the attack took place within the University premises.

“The University Management wishes to categorically state that this claim is false and does not reflect the reality of the situation.

“It will be recalled that the Vice-Chancellor sometimes ago paid a courtesy visit to the State Commissioner of Police to further strengthen collaboration and enhance security support for the University community.”

The statement noted that the Chief Security Officer and Dean of Students Affairs visited the victim in hospital, adding that her condition is stable.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fatimah Tahir, expressed sympathy with the victim and assured that the university remains committed to safeguarding students and staff.

Management urged calm and called for responsible reporting, while reaffirming ongoing collaboration with security agencies to improve safety within and outside the campus. (Daily Trust)