Three 100-level students of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) were abducted from their off-campus lodge in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on Saturday evening, marking the second such incident in less than three weeks. The kidnapping occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m. at Sure Leaders Lodge in the Bukan Kwato area, according to a student who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons.
Students’ Union Confirms Abduction
The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the university confirmed the incident in a public safety notice issued on Sunday. The statement, signed by SUG President Jabir Ibrahim and Secretary-General Ibrahim Aliyu, noted that the union had begun engaging traditional authorities and university management over the security breach. “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, stay vigilant, avoid unnecessary movements at odd hours, and report suspicious activities.
Repeat Incident Raises Concerns
The latest abduction comes less than three weeks after gunmen kidnapped three FULafia students from Living Seed Lodge, another off-campus residence, on July 8, 2026. The Nasarawa State Police Command confirmed the earlier incident through its spokesperson, Ramhan Nansel, who stated that Commissioner of Police Shetima Mohammed had deployed tactical teams for a search-and-rescue operation. One of the July victims was later rescued, while efforts continued to secure the release of the remaining two and arrest the perpetrators.
Continued Security Challenges in Nasarawa
Recurring attacks on students living in private hostels, particularly those bordering bushy areas, have heightened safety fears. Despite ongoing operations by police and military against kidnapping syndicates and armed gangs in Nasarawa State, isolated incidents persist along highways and in rural and semi-urban communities. Residents and students have repeatedly called for increased security patrols around off-campus hostels.
As of the time of this report, no official statement had been issued by the police regarding Saturday’s incident, and it remained unclear whether the kidnappers had contacted the victims’ families or demanded a ransom. The SUG expressed hope for the safe return of the abducted students and pledged to keep the community informed.
