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, stated that the distress call was received around 9:21 pm.
Gunmen forced entry into students' residence
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. The police spokesperson 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.
Police rescue one victim, launch manhunt
Nansel disclosed that the police had rescued one of the three abducted students and had launched an intensive manhunt for the kidnappers. He added that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has ordered the deployment of tactical teams and patrol operatives to the scene for a coordinated search-and-rescue operation in the surrounding forest.
“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. 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,” Nansel said.
