In a heartbreaking incident, Mohammed Zakiu Wunpini, a pharmacy student at the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Dungu, was tragically stabbed to death, casting a pall of grief over the university community. Zakiu, who was preparing to enter his third year of study, was found lifeless on the evening of September 25, 2024.
The discovery of his body, bearing multiple stab wounds, occurred in an uncompleted building situated between the Citadel Hostel and Kumbung Hostel on the UDS campus. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised serious concerns among students and faculty alike, particularly given the alarming rise in violent incidents within educational institutions.
Initial investigations indicate that Zakiu’s motorcycle and phone are missing, leading to suspicions that he may have been attacked and robbed. Eyewitness accounts suggest that he had gone out earlier that evening to watch a football match with a friend. However, Zakiu never returned, prompting concern among his peers. As the hours passed, it became evident that something was terribly wrong, and the search for him ultimately led to the grim discovery of his body.
The shockwaves of this tragedy have resonated throughout the campus, leaving students and staff in a state of disbelief and sorrow. Many have expressed their condolences to Zakiu’s family and friends, remembering him as a dedicated student with a promising future.
His passing has not only devastated those who knew him but has also highlighted the pressing issues of safety and security within the university environment.
In the wake of this tragedy, university authorities acted swiftly to address the situation. An emergency meeting was convened, attended by the Vice Dean, Dean of Students, and the head of Security.
This meeting was crucial in discussing the immediate steps to be taken in response to the incident, as well as the measures necessary to enhance security on campus.
Following the emergency meeting, the university officials visited the regional police office on Friday to obtain updates on the ongoing investigation into Zakiu’s murder. The authorities have vowed to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice.
The university community is demanding answers, and there is a growing call for increased security measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As students and faculty grapple with the aftermath of this violent crime, the atmosphere on campus remains somber. Many students have expressed their fears and concerns about their safety, questioning whether the university is doing enough to protect them. The incident has sparked discussions among students about the need for greater awareness and vigilance regarding personal safety, especially during nighttime activities.
Zakiu’s death has not only impacted his immediate friends and classmates but has also raised broader questions about the safety of students in educational institutions across the country. With rising incidents of violence and crime targeting young individuals, it is imperative for universities and communities to prioritize the safety and well-being of their students. The need for proactive measures to address these issues has never been more urgent.
In remembrance of Zakiu, students and faculty members have come together to honor his memory and support his family during this difficult time. His final funeral rites are scheduled to take place today, September 30, 2024, at Gumani, near Oasis Restaurant. The university community is encouraged to participate in the funeral, as a show of solidarity and support for Zakiu’s family, and to commemorate the life of a young man who had so much to offer.
As the investigation into Zakiu’s murder continues, the university community remains hopeful that
