She spoke, she vanished, and now she’s fighting for her life. Hamdiyya Sidi Shareef, the 18-year-old whose viral criticism of Sokoto Governor Ahmad Aliyu sparked both admiration and backlash, has been found badly injured days after going missing. Her case now exposes the chilling risks young Nigerians face for speaking up.
Hamdiyya’s story is not just about one young woman’s suffering - it underscores the threats facing outspoken youth in northern Nigeria.
Key Takeaways
- Hamdiyya, 18, gained attention for criticising the Sokoto Governor's handling of rural insecurity.
- She was previously assaulted in 2024 and had ongoing legal run-ins.
- Disappeared again on 20 May 2025 after a routine food errand.
- Found in critical condition at Bakura General Hospital, Zamfara.
- Her lawyer confirms she was kidnapped and remains under security watch.
