The Bauchi State police command has launched a manhunt for an unidentified suspect who attacked Maryam Yakini, a 22-year-old student of Sa’adu Zungur University. 

In a statement on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Habib, said the incident occurred on April 23, 2026, in Gadau, Itas/Gadau Local Government Area, where the suspect allegedly attacked the student, who lives off-campus, with a machete and a knife. 

“At about 1930hrs, a report was received at the Gadau Police Outstation indicating that an unidentified suspect, armed with a machete and knife, attacked Maryam Yakini, a 22-year-old female student, near Villa Lodge,” Mr Habib said.

Mr Habib said the student sustained serious injuries, including the loss of her left thumb and ear, and is currently receiving treatment at the Teaching Hospital in Azare, where she is responding to treatment.

“The assailant also robbed her of personal belongings, including two ATM cards (Opay and Access Bank) and her school identification card,” he said.

He also debunked claims circulating that the victim died following the incident. “These claims are not only misleading and untrue but also represent a desperate attempt to incite unrest and panic within the student community,” he added.

Mr Habib cautioned students against staying or studying in isolated areas, especially at night.

He further urged members of the public to provide useful information that could aid in the suspect’s arrest, while reiterating the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.