Gunmen have abducted three 100-level students of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) after attacking an off-campus students’ lodge in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped at about 8:45 p.m. on Saturday when the armed men stormed Sure Leaders Lodge in the Bukan Kwato area of the state capital.
A student, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, confirmed the incident, saying the attackers forcefully whisked away the three students during the raid.
The latest abduction comes barely weeks after another three FULafia students were kidnapped from a separate off-campus accommodation, raising fresh concerns over the safety of students living outside the university campus.
The Students’ Union Government of the institution confirmed the latest incident in a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its President, Jabir Ibrahim, and Secretary-General, Ibrahim Aliyu.
According to the union, its leadership had commenced discussions with traditional rulers, relevant authorities and the university management to ensure the safe return of the abducted students and strengthen security around students’ residences.
“The Students’ Union leadership has met with the District Head and relevant authorities and is collaborating with the University Management on security measures,” the statement read.
The union urged students to remain calm and security conscious while efforts to rescue the victims continue.
It advised students to avoid unnecessary movements, particularly at night, and to promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies or the union.
“Our priority is the safety of every student. We appeal to members of the university community to remain vigilant while relevant authorities intensify efforts to secure the release of our colleagues,” the statement added.
The incident is the second reported abduction involving FULafia students this month.
In the earlier attack, gunmen invaded Living Seed Lodge, an off-campus hostel located in a bushy area on the outskirts of the university community, and abducted three students.
The Nasarawa State Police Command had said it received a distress call from the university’s Chief Security Officer at about 9:20 p.m., prompting the immediate deployment of tactical teams and patrol operatives on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed.
Police rescued one of the abducted students during a search-and-rescue operation, while efforts were said to be ongoing to secure the freedom of the remaining victims.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nasarawa State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the latest abduction.
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