Missing Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi Student Found Dead, Organs Removed

A devastating tragedy has struck the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, as 24-year-old Fatima Salihu Muhammad Chimo was found dead five days after being declared missing. Disturbingly, parts of her body were mutilated, and some internal organs were removed. 

Her father, Mr. Salihu Muhammad Chimo, a senior staff member and former Director of Academic Planning at the institution, recounted the events leading to the heartbreaking discovery. According to Chimo, Fatima left their home in the Polytechnic staff quarters on Thursday morning to buy groceries from nearby Birshin Fulani community, located just behind the school’s perimeter fence. 

“Her siblings had gone to school. She went out around 10:00 a.m. to get items for cooking. We never heard from her again,” Chimo said.  “Five days later, I was contacted by the leader of the Birshin Fulani community. A decomposing body was found in a maize farm near our residence. When I arrived, I saw that it was my daughter. Her corpse was mutilated and some organs had been removed.” 

This incident is the latest in a series of violent episodes linked to growing insecurity around Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi. 

In August, armed robbers invaded the school at midnight, targeting students in their hostels. The attack sparked protests, with students demanding improved safety. The situation turned chaotic when police officers dispersed protesters using teargas. Just weeks later, students at the Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, located a few kilometers away, also came under attack. 

One student was reportedly stabbed to death in Wunti-Dada, a community where many of them reside. In response, the Federal Polytechnic temporarily shut down operations for two weeks, assuring students of improved security measures. 

The Bauchi State Police Command has vowed to bring Fatima’s killers to justice. In a statement on Tuesday, police spokesperson SP Ahmed Wakil confirmed that a full investigation has been launched. Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu has formed a special homicide team to lead the case. 

“The investigators will carry out a thorough, structured, and timely investigation to uncover the truth and ensure justice. Every necessary protocol will be followed,” Wakil assured.