Gunmen Abduct Three Lafia Varsity Students

The Nasarawa State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of three students of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) from their off-campus hostel along Awe Road, near the university’s temporary campus in Akunza, Lafia.  

The Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Ramhan Nansel, said the distress call was received around 9:21pm.

According to Nansel, the gunmen knocked on the door of the students’ residence before forcing their way inside.

“What happened was that the students were at home when the gunmen arrived. They knocked on the door and gained entry,” he said.

He explained that the hostel is located in a secluded area near the university’s temporary campus, behind a high-tension power line and close to a bush path leading to Awe town.

“That place is close to the bush. There is a gate there; whether you push it with your foot or your hand, it will open,” Nansel said.

He disclosed that the police had rescued one of the three Federal University of Lafia students abducted from the off-campus hostel and had launched an intensive manhunt for the kidnappers.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, immediately ordered the deployment of tactical teams and patrol operatives to the scene for a coordinated search-and-rescue operation in the surrounding forest.

“The prompt response led to the rescue of one of the abducted students, while efforts have been intensified to secure the safe release of the remaining two victims still in captivity and to arrest the perpetrators. The CP has directed all operational and intelligence assets of the Command to sustain the operation until the remaining victims are rescued unharmed.”

Nansel noted that kidnappers operating in the area often exploit the high-tension corridor and cattle routes to escape into the bush after carrying out abductions.

“Most of the time, when the kidnappers abduct someone, they follow the high-tension line, pass through that area and head into the bush,” he said.

He added that police operatives were already on the trail of the abductors and advised students against renting accommodation in isolated areas because of lower costs.

“It’s not a place for anyone to live. People are looking for cheap accommodation. Instead of living alone, since it’s only a temporary stay, pool your resources together or contribute to rent a single house,” he said.

The command also urged residents with useful information to come forward and assist security agencies in rescuing the remaining victims.
(Daily trust)